Department for Transport

Motorcycles: Accidents

Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent estimate he has made of injuries to motorcyclists caused by wire rope barriers in the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The information requested is not available. Information on whether the motorcyclist impacted a wire rope barrier is not routinely collected by the police.

A334: Eastleigh

Mr Michael Thornton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will provide funding for the Botley bypass on the A334.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Department supports any investments in infrastructure that supports growth. Through the Growth deals agreed this summer, Government funding for this type of scheme has passed to the Local Economic Partnerships (LEPs). It would be for the promoters of this scheme to work with the Solent LEP to take it forward.

Public Transport: Fares

Mr Michael Thornton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that public transport ticket price increases are kept to a minimum.

Claire Perry: I recognise concerns passengers have about impacts of fares on household budgets, which is why for the first time in a decade average regulated rail fares were capped at inflation for 2014 and will also be capped at RPI+0% for 2015, removing the previously planned increase of rail fares of RPI+1%. Furthermore, for 2015, train operating companies will no longer be able to increase individual fares by up to 2% more than the permitted increase. By way of context, rail passenger journeys have doubled since privatisation and increased by a quarter in the last five years. Bus services outside London are deregulated and fares are mainly a matter for the commercial judgment of bus operators. However, the Government has made a commitment to retain the current Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) rate for the remainder of this Parliament. The subsidy means that bus operators’ net fuel costs are around 40% lower which can enable operators to keep bus fares approximately 4% lower than they otherwise would be. Government has also maintained free bus travel in England for eligible older and disabled people. By way of context, the number of bus journeys in England in 2013/14 was 4.7 billion, the highest recorded number since privatisation. In addition, for the first time since 2008/09, 2013/14 saw a year-on-year increase in overall bus use outside London.

Government Car Service

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 24 October 2014 to Question 211251, which reviews (a) have been completed and (b) have yet to be completed by his Department in relation to the Government's Ultra low emission vehicle readiness project.

Mr Robert Goodwill: 15 Central Government Departments and Agencies have registered and started the fleet review process, no reviews have been completed. The following fleet reviews are still ongoing: 1 The Government Car Service2 Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency3 Vehicle Certification Agency4 Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency5 The Home Office6 Ministry of Defence7 Foreign Commonwealth Office8 British Transport Police Authority9 Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs10 Department for Education11 Department for Communities and Local Government12 Environment Agency13 Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory14 NHS Blood and Transplant15 Department for Work and Pensions

Home Office

Official Visits

Dr William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she met the Mayor of Calais during her visit to Westminster on 28 October 2014.

James Brokenshire: Home Office Ministers have meetings with a wide variety of international partners, as well as organisations and individuals in the public and private sectors, as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Details of these meetings are passed to the Cabinet Office on a quarterly basis and are subsequently published on the Gov.uk website: http://data.gov.uk/dataset/ministerial-data-home-office.

Translation Services

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much her Department has spent on translation of non-European languages since January 2011.

Karen Bradley: This information is not recorded in the Home Office financial systems in the required format and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Domestic Violence

Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will undertake a public inquiry into the response of state agencies to victims of domestic violence.

Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the report of Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary entitled Everyone's business: Improving the police response to domestic abuse, what steps she is taking further to inspect the performance of wider agencies that respond to victims of domestic violence.

Lynne Featherstone: The Government has no plans to conduct an inquiry into domestic abuse. The cross-government Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan sets out a comprehensive approach to improve the response of all agencies to domestic abuse.The Home Secretary commissioned Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) to review the police response to domestic abuse in September 2013. In response to HMIC’s report published in March 2014, which exposed significant failings, the Home Secretary is driving a package of measures to improve the police response. This includes the establishment of a National Oversight Group to drive delivery against all of HMIC’s recommendations. The Home Secretary also wrote to all Chief Constables making it clear that every police force must have an action plan in place. All forces have submitted plans which are now being reviewed by HMIC. In addition, the Inter-Ministerial Group on VAWG is securing cross-government support to establish a multi-agency inspection into domestic abuse.

Gangmasters Licensing Authority

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 5 of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority Annual Report and Accounts 2013-14, how the figure of £30 million, which the Authority has prevented from entering the informal economy, is calculated.

Karen Bradley: The £30 million figure provided in the Gangmasters Licensing Authority Annual Report and Accounts for 2013/14 was calculated in conjunction with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to provide a verifiable assessment of the increased tax yield from GLA operations. Further work is ongoing to refine this figure. The GLA's Annual Reports and Accounts, as with all Arms Length Bodies, are certified by the National Audit Office prior to being laid in Parliament.

Procurement

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many contracts signed by her Department with suppliers of services or consultants include a clause providing that if the contract is abrogated by the Government, the provider or consultant will be compensated for lost income since 2010.

Karen Bradley: The Home Department does not have any contracts with suppliers of services or consultants which include a clause providing that if the contract is abrogated by the Government, the provider or consultant will be compensated for lost income. No contracts have been identified which include a clause providing that if the contract is abrogated by the Government, the provider or consultant will be compensated for lost income since 2010.All contractual liabilities require prior approval and Legal advisors agreement according to our processes. We do have contract conditions covering the right to terminate for convenience and these cover relevant costs. These are subject to limits and conditions.

Gangmasters

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many gangmasters have been prosecuted for offences created by the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 in 2014 to date; and what the results were of those prosecutions.

Karen Bradley: To date in 2014, a total of 15 people have been charged with, or summons in relation to, a section 12 offence for acting as a gangmaster without a licence. Of these, only one case has been concluded and resulted in a conviction. The individual received a £500 fine and was ordered to pay £46 costs and a £15 offender’s levy. The other cases are still progressing through the legal system.A further case was concluded in 2014 of a section 12 offence by an individual whose prosecution started in 2013. The result of this prosecution was a Community Payback Order for 180 hours to be completed within a nine month period.GLA enforcement activity has also resulted in charges for a range of other offences, for example trafficking and fraud, during 2014. Over time the GLA has undertaken a reduced number of more complex investigations which focus more effectively on serious and organised crime. This reflects a targeting and risk-based enforcement approach by the GLA.

Travel

John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what total amount her Department spent on ministerial travel by (a) the Government Car and Despatch Agency and (b) other car hire in (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09 and (iii) 2009-10.

Karen Bradley: Information on expenditure on the Government Car and Dispatch Agency is published annually in a Written Ministerial Statement and can be found in the Official Record:2007/08 (Column 118WS):http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm080722/wmstext/80722m0008.htm#080722530000452008/09 (Column 80WS):http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090716/wmstext/90716m0009.htm#090716510000592009/10 (Column 23WS): http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm101028/wmstext/101028m0001.htm#10102827000372The Home Department does not use other car hire outside of the Government Car and Dispatch Agency for Ministerial travel.

Correspondence

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how often her Department reviews its processes regarding the logging of emails, letters and other correspondence received; and if she will make a statement.

Karen Bradley: Emails, letters and other correspondence are currently logged on a correspondence tracking system. However, processes are under continuous review and a replacement IT system, which will also cover Parliamentary Questions and Freedom of Information requests, is under development with implementation scheduled for early 2015.

Buildings

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many buildings her Department sold in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013 and (e) 2014.

Karen Bradley: Holding answer received on 17 November 2014



Two Home Office owned buildings were sold in 2010 and one in 2013. Contracts have been exchanged in 2014 for the sale of two sites, one subject to grant of satisfactory planning consent, and both for completion in 2015.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

UN Human Rights Council

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure that religious persecution is on the agenda for the next session of the Human Rights Council.

Mr Philip Hammond: The UK will co-sponsor the regular resolution on Freedom of Religion or Belief tabled by the EU at the next session of the UN Human Rights Council in March 2015. The UK also supports the work of Professor Heiner Bielefeldt , the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief. He will deliver his annual presentation to the Human Rights Council at the March 2015 session, followed by an interactive dialogue during which we intend to make a statement.

Tunisia

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support the Government is providing to the Tunisian government to encourage continued progress towards stability and security through (a) EU or (b) bilateral means.

Mr Philip Hammond: The UK is providing support to the Tunisian government to promote economic stability and to provide support for security. Both through the EU and bilaterally: (a) EU programmes in Tunisia (€169m in 2014), to which the UK contributes as a Member State, promote stability by supporting economic growth and development of civil society and political institutions. The EU, together with the IMF and World Bank, lead on economic policy dialogue and provide technical assistance for reforms, which will also promote long term stability. A €300m EU macro-financial assistance loan to support economic stability was approved in March 2014. The UK funded an expert to lead a €3m comprehensive EU review of the needs for security sector reform in 2013. The review was approved by Tunisia in May 2014; programmes should launch in 2015. (b) Bilateral UK-Tunisia security cooperation has increased hugely since the revolution. This includes work on security sector reform to build capacity to counter threats; crisis response; security in tourist areas; and border security.

Qatar

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the government of Qatar on human rights abuses in that country.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: I recently raised human rights issues with the Qatari Government during my visit to Doha on 15 October, and the issue of migrant workers was raised with the Emir of Qatar during his visit to the UK on 28-30 October. The Government welcomes in particular the serious manner in which the Qatari Government is responding to concerns about the treatment of migrant workers, and supports Qatar’s intention to reform the current labour law. We continue to encourage the Qatari Government to address human rights concerns and we stand ready to support those efforts where we can.

Libya

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans his Department has to review its consular and embassy arrangements in Libya.

Mr Philip Hammond: Our Embassy in Tripoli has been temporarily closed since 6 August, due to ongoing fighting and instability. We advise against all travel to Libya and are not currently able to provide consular services in Libya. A small team of British diplomats focused on relations with Libya are currently working from our Embassy in Tunis, as well as a team in London. Our core diplomatic activity also includes the work of the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy, Jonathan Powell, who is continuing to work with the UN on the ground in Libya to pursue mediation efforts to agree a negotiated political settlement, which offers the best hope of stability for the country. We are keeping these arrangements under constant review, and the safety and security of our staff is paramount. We will review re-opening our Embassy in Libya when the security situation has sufficiently stabilised.

Tunisia

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential effects of the Tunisian election results on the prosperity and security of that country.

Mr Philip Hammond: I congratulated the Tunisian government and people on their successful parliamentary elections last month. The future government, like governments everywhere, will face economic and security challenges. But these elections, which represent a significant milestone for Tunisia’s democratic transition, will provide a stable and credible platform for the government to address these challenges. The peaceful transfer of power bodes well for what the Tunisians themselves call their ‘start-up democracy’.

Palestinians

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of reports of bomb attacks against Fatah officials in the Gaza strip.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office was concerned by reports of bomb attacks targeting Fatah officials in Gaza on 7 November. Investigations have been launched in Gaza into who was responsible.

Israel

Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on attacks by the Israeli Ground Force and Navy on farmers and fishermen in Gaza in October 2014; and if he will raise this matter with his Israeli counterpart.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The IDF has demarcated a 6-mile radius at the western nautical border. The demarcation of the northern border is not as clear to fishermen and this border area is the site of many incidents. During Operation Protective Edge, we raised our concern with the IDF several times over incidents in which fishermen were reportedly shot. The IDF maintained that the Israeli Navy fired only warning shots into the air when the fishermen ventured over the nautical border. We have received unconfirmed reports from the British Consulate General in Jerusalem on attacks in October. We have not raised the October incidents with the Israeli authorities, but continue to monitor developments closely.

Burma

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations the Government is making to the Burmese government on ensuring that elections in that country in 2015 are open, free and fair.

Mr Philip Hammond: The 2015 parliamentary elections will be a watershed for Burma’s road to democracy. We have made clear to the Burmese government that we want to see inclusive and credible elections, underpinned by freedom of expression and respect for human rights. The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for East Devon (Mr Swire) most recently discussed the elections with the Minister for Immigration in October, the Minister for Electric Power in July and the Deputy Foreign Minister in June.The Department for International Development has allocated around £25m over five years to strengthen democratic governance, including support to the elections. UK funding will support the provision of technical advice to the Burmese election commission, voter education and monitoring and observation of the electoral process.

Tunisia

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support the UK Government is providing to the Tunisian government in advance of the presidential elections in that country in November 2014.

Mr Philip Hammond: The British Government has provided significant support for Tunisia since its 2011 revolution. When the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood) met the Tunisian Deputy Foreign Minister at our Bilateral Forum earlier this month he congratulated him on Tunisia’s successful Legislative elections and reiterated our support. Bilaterally, our Arab Partnership programmes have supported political participation, good governance, transparency, and freedom of expression. On elections we have supported programmes on voter awareness and registration campaigns. We have provided financial support including through the UN for technical advice and operational support to the Independent Electoral Commission (ISIE). We have also supported civil society in monitoring campaign finances for both the legislative and presidential campaigns. Our support for economic development has been primarily channelled through multilateral donors. This support will continue, including in the period leading up to the Presidential elections.

Egypt

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Egypt.

Mr Philip Hammond: We assess there to be a high threat of terrorism in Egypt. To date this has largely been focused against the Egyptian security services. The threat is highest in the Governorate of North Sinai to which we advise against all travel due to the significant level of criminal activity and fatal terrorist attacks on security services. We advise against all but essential travel to parts of southern Sinai with the exception of the Sharm El Sheikh area, which benefits from its geographical location and the enhanced security measures provided by the Egyptian security services. We also advise against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Delta Regions, excluding Siwa, Fayoum and the coastal area. We continue to review regularly the security situation when considering our travel advice for the country. During the recent visit of Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri to the UK, Ministers discussed the security situation with him and reiterated the UK’s commitment to working with Egypt on countering terrorism, including to tackle ISIL and the threat it poses in the region.

Middle East

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made on the decision by Egypt to suspend talks between Israel and the Palestinians in Cairo.

Mr Philip Hammond: Ministers discussed the situation in Gaza and the talks between Israel and the Palestinians with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shukri during his visit to the UK on 27 October and stressed the importance we place on Egypt’s mediation role. Foreign Minister Shukri said that Egypt was still committed to the negotiation process and that talks would resume as soon as possible. We continue to discuss this issue with the Egyptian government.

Egypt

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Egyptian authorities' efforts to tackle terrorist activity in the Sinai region.

Mr Philip Hammond: We assess there to be a high threat of terrorism in Egypt. To date this has largely been focused against the Egyptian security services. The threat is highest in the Governorate of North Sinai to which we advise against all travel due to the significant level of criminal activity and fatal terrorist attacks on security services. During the recent visit of Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri to the UK, Ministers discussed the security situation with him and reiterated the UK’s commitment to working with Egypt on countering terrorism, including to tackle ISIL and the threat it poses in the region.

Iran

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the likelihood of the deadline for a comprehensive Iranian nuclear deal being met.

Mr Philip Hammond: The E3+3 have made progress with Iran in the nuclear negotiations but significant gaps - especially over Iran's enrichment capacity - remain. Reaching agreement on these areas in particular by 24 November will be challenging.

UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the US administration with a view to encouraging that country to ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We have a regular dialogue with US State Department on maritime issues, including on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and have actively encouraged the US to sign up. In 2009 Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the US was committed to ratifying UNCLOS and the Administration tried – unsuccessfully - to promote this policy in 2012. Nevertheless joining UNCLOS remains a priority for the US Administration.

Procurement

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many contracts signed by his Department with suppliers of services or consultants include a clause providing that if the contract is abrogated by the Government, the provider or consultant will be compensated for lost income since 2010.

Mr David Lidington: Authority to enter into contracts is delegated to directorates and departments within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London as well as the global network of overseas missions in over 170 countries. This information is not held centrally and to collate it would incur disproportionate cost.

Israel

Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received on IDF incursions into the West Bank and East Jerusalem and violence by settlers; and what plans he has to raise the issue with his Israeli counterpart.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office receives regular reports from our Embassy in Tel Aviv and our Consulate-General in Jerusalem on political developments in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) spoke to the Israeli Foreign Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, on 10 November where he said he was deeply concerned about rising tensions in East Jerusalem. On 10 November, our Ambassador to Tel Aviv raised UK concerns over rising tensions with the Israeli Ministry of Defence Director-General Political-Military and urged the need for calm.

Israel

Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will raise with his Israeli counterpart the death of Bahaa Samir Badir in Beit Liqiya on 16 October 2014.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The Government has repeatedly expressed concerns to Israel about the appropriate use of force, including the use of live ammunition, by the Israel Defence Force and Police, as well as the need for Israel to implement the recommendations of the Turkel Commission on improving how the Israeli authorities investigate alleged violations of international humanitarian law. We will continue to do so as long as this remains an issue of concern.

Correspondence

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how often his Department reviews its processes regarding the logging of emails, letters and other correspondence received; and if he will make a statement.

Mr David Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) continuously reviews the way in which it processes the letters and emails it receives. With regard to the time frame for responding to letters from parliamentarians and members of the public, the FCO follows Cabinet Office guidance on handling correspondence from Members of Parliament, Peers, MEPs and Members of devolved Administrations, which is available online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/61196/guide-handling-gov-correspondence.pdf

Travel

John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what total amount his Department spent on ministerial travel by (a) the Government Car and Despatch Agency and (b) other car hire in (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09 and (iii) 2009-10.

Mr David Lidington: I refer my hon. Friend to the answers given by the then Secretary of State for Transport, the former Member for Bolton West (Ruth Kelly) on 22 July 2008, Official Report, column 116WS; by the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, the former Member for Gillingham (Paul Clark) on 16 July 2009, Official Report, column 78WS; and, by the then Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) on 28 October 2010, Official Report, column 23WS.

Iran

Mr Joe Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he takes to emphasise the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in Iran during discussions with his Iranian counterpart.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We remain deeply concerned by the ongoing discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups in Iran. We have called for the Iranian government to protect the rights of all minority groups and end the persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith. We last raised these issues with the Iranian government during our interventions at the Universal Periodic Review of Iran’s Human Rights at the UN on 31 October.

Middle East

Mr Joe Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his policy is on tackling the persecution of Christians in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: Conflict and instability in the Middle East has made the plight of Christians and other religious minorities a significant concern. In many cases religious minorities are facing extremely difficult circumstances. Many communities are suffering, and indeed some countries risk seeing the disappearance of communities that have existed there peacefully for centuries.We deplore all discrimination against religious minorities and constraints on their freedom to practise their faith. We regularly urge all governments in the Middle East to ensure the protection of all religious minorities. We encourage them to develop inclusive political systems that represent all of their citizens.We work proactively in countries where we can to tackle these issues. For example, in Yemen the Middle East and North Africa Conflict Pool is delivering a grassroots community reconciliation initiative to ease tensions between different communities. In Syria a number of British Government funded projects have brought together religious leaders from all denominations (including Alawi, Christians, Kurds, Druze and Sunnis) to foster greater understanding between faiths and support reconciliation. In Tunisia, our Arab Partnership Initiative funds a project run by the Centre for the Study of Islam and Democracy which considers, amongst other things, the protection of religious minorities under the new constitution.

Central African Republic

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what (a) technical and (b) financial assistance the UK plans to provide to the Central African Republic for disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration.

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what training the UK is providing to the UN Mission troops in the Central African Republic, on (a) reporting sexual violence, (b) protection of civilians from sexual violence and (b) other issues.

James Duddridge: The UN Mission to the Central African Republic (CAR), MINUSCA, assumed responsibility for peacekeeping in CAR on 15 September. MINUSCA is funded from the UN’s Peacekeeping Budget, to which the UK is a significant contributor.The mission’s mandate specifies that it should provide “support for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former armed elements, with specific attention to children, and the repatriation of foreign elements, as well as community violence-reduction programmes”. However, the Mission remains in its early stages and has faced operational challenges due to high levels of violence across the country. Once security improves, and staff numbers increase, the UN will, with the support of the international community, begin to take forward work aimed at disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of rebel fighters.We remain in regular contact with the MINUSCA leadership. An experienced Foreign and Commonwealth diplomat, Diane Corner, started as the UN Secretary General’s Deputy Special Representative to MINUSCA on 1 September.

Iran

Mr Joe Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Iranian counterpart on Behnam Irani.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We last raised with the Iranian government our ongoing concerns over the detention of prisoners of conscience and discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups in Iran during our interventions at the Universal Periodic Review of Iran’s Human Rights at the UN on 31 October. We have not raised this individual case with the Iranian government.

Iran

Mr Joe Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Iranian counterpart on Abdolreza Ali Haghnejad and Silas Rabbani, sentenced to prison because of their religious beliefs.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We last raised with the Iranian government our ongoing concerns over the detention of prisoners of conscience and discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups in Iran during our interventions at the Universal Periodic Review of Iran’s Human Rights at the UN on 31 October. We have not raised these individual cases with the Iranian Government.

Iran

Mr Joe Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Iranian counterpart on Farshid Fathi, Homayoun Shokouhi, Alireza Seyyedian and other Christians imprisoned in Iran.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We last raised with the Iranian government our ongoing concerns over the detention of prisoners of conscience and discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups in Iran during our interventions at the Universal Periodic Review of Iran’s Human Rights at the UN on 31 October. We have not raised these individual cases with the Iranian Government.

Iran

Mr Joe Benton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Iranian counterpart on (a) Vahid Hakkani, (b) Mojtaba Seyyed Alaedin Hossein and (c) other Christians imprisoned for their faith in Iran.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We last raised with the Iranian government our ongoing concerns over the detention of prisoners of conscience and discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups in Iran during our interventions at the Universal Periodic Review of Iran’s Human Rights at the UN on 31 October. We have not raised these individual cases with the Iranian Government.

Iran

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 6 November 2014, Official Report, column 1034, on re-opening the British embassy in Tehran, what recent progress he has made on consular and embassy arrangements in Iran.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: As I set out in the House on 6 November 2014, the Government remains committed to reopening the British Embassy in Tehran once we have resolved the outstanding steps required to bring the Embassy back to a functional level and concluded arrangements for re-establishing a visa service in Tehran. We are in ongoing discussion with the Iranian government to identify solutions on both issues.

Iran

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the issues of human rights and religious liberty in Iran were raised by Ministers and officials of his Department in their recent discussions with their counterparts in that country.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The UK most recently raised our concerns about the human rights situation in Iran, including the rights of religious minorities, with the Iranian Government during Iran’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council on 31 October.

Nigeria

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Nigerian government on reports of homophobic vigilantism in Kebbi State.

James Duddridge: We are concerned by the recent reports of homophobic vigilantism in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Our High Commission in Abuja is seeking further information from contacts on the ground. The UK opposes any form of discrimination or persecution on the grounds of sexual orientation and any form of legislation that criminalises people on the basis of their sexuality.

Hamas

Mr David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support his Department provides to ensure Hamas does not acquire construction materials for terror purposes.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: The UK, as a donor, follows very carefully the course of internationally provided construction materials into Gaza, and we are confident in the effectiveness of the new UN agreed monitoring mechanism.Imports of construction materials, including concrete, are currently only permitted for UN-led humanitarian projects with strict controls mitigating the risk of transfer of materials for use other than that intended. There remains a clear need for further legitimate construction work in Gaza.

Buildings

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many buildings his Department sold in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013 and (e) 2014.

Mr David Lidington: Financial Year2010-112011-122012-132013-14Number of buildings sold*25201721 *All sales are overseas. Sales of compounds classed as one sale.Excludes sales of plots of land. Information has been provided by financial year as this is the form in which it is readily available. A definitive figure is not yet available for 2014-15.

Northern Ireland Office

Correspondence

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how often her Department reviews its processes regarding the logging of emails, letters and other correspondence received; and if she will make a statement.

Mrs Theresa Villiers: The Department routinely reviews the process for logging correspondence in order to respond within our 21 working day target.Guidance on handling correspondence from Members of Parliament, Peers, MEPs and Members of devolved Administrations is available online at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/61196/guide-handling-gov-correspondence.pdf.

Attorney General

Serious Fraud Office

Anas Sarwar: To ask the Attorney General, what steps he has taken to ensure that the Serious Fraud Office is perceived as a fully independent body in investigations of foreign bribery cases.

Mr Robert Buckland: In all cases, decisions to investigate are made by the Director of the Serious Fraud Office who acts independently. The Protocol between the Attorney General and the Prosecuting Departments sets out the relationship between the Director, the Law Officers and the Government of the day and safeguards prosecutorial independence. A copy of the protocol can be found at; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protocol-between-the-attorney-general-and-prosecuting-departments

Prisons: Crimes of Violence

Steve Baker: To ask the Attorney General, if the Crown Prosecution Service will take steps to ensure that all assaults against prison officers are prosecuted.

Jeremy Wright: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is committed to ensuring that assaults against prison officers are dealt with robustly. The CPS considers each case on its own facts and in accordance with the two stage test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.The Code outlines that a prosecution is more likely to be in the public interest if the offence was committed against a person serving the public. Furthermore, the specific CPS Legal Guidance on Prison Offences outlines that, if the victim is a prison officer performing his/her duty, the public interest is heavily in favour of prosecution.In addition to this, the new joint protocol produced by the Prison Service, CPS and Association of Chief Police Officers will set out that when there are serious assaults on prison staff, the perpetrators will be prosecuted unless there is a good reason why not.

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

Intellectual Property

Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, when he intends to publish for consultation the draft Statutory Instruments for the implementation of section 74 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013.

Mr Edward Vaizey: The Government is currently considering the responses received to its recent consultation on transitional provisions for the repeal of section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, which deals with the issue of when to implement section 74 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013. The consultation closed on 27 October 2014.   No decision has as yet been taken on transitional provisions or the type of statutory instrument that will be used, or on whether and when a draft instrument will be published.

Department for International Development

Green Climate Fund

Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether her Department's budget plans include provisions for the UK's contribution to the Green Climate Fund.

Mr Desmond Swayne: The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the key new vehicle for helping developing countries adapt to climate change and follow low-carbon development paths. The UK will announce its pledge shortly.

Department for Education

Buildings

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many buildings her Department sold in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013 and (e) 2014.

Mr Nick Gibb: In July 2010, the Department for Education sold Moorfoot in Sheffield for £3 million. The Department currently has two freehold assets scheduled for disposal: Building/SiteDisposal actionCastle View House, RuncornCurrently vacant and being actively marketed to the public and private sector.Mowden Hall, DarlingtonScheduled for disposal in the financial year 2015/2016.   The table below illustrates the number of buildings sold in each calendar year since 2010: Calendar yearBuildings sold2010120110201202013020140   Since 2010, the Department has reduced the size of its estate from 30 properties, at a cost of circa £51 million per annum, to six properties costing circa £31 million per annum. This is a saving of £20 million per annum. In 2012, the Department announced an ambitious programme to reduce its estate from 12 sites to six, while maximising the efficiency of the buildings retained. This has now been achieved by reducing the amount of space we use, surrendering unwanted facilities to landlords and sub-letting vacant space to other organisations. The Department has improved the quality and flexibility of its workspace alongside driving down cost. The Department also plans to vacate Sanctuary Buildings in London at lease expiry in 2017 and relocate to a Government owned freehold building, which will generate a further saving of circa £8.5 million per year. The Department is always looking to maximise the efficiency of its estate and, working with the Cabinet Office’s Government Property Unit, we are currently updating our Strategic Asset Management Plan.   The table below illustrates the leasehold buildings surrendered since 2010: Property nameLocation200 Great Dover StreetLondonBayley HouseBoltonBrandon CourtCoventryCity ExchangeLeedsEnterprise HouseWolverhampton82/84 PiccadillyLondonVictoria Square HouseBirminghamLime HouseNottinghamWhittington HouseLondon

Travel

John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what total amount her Department spent on ministerial travel by (a) the Government Car and Despatch Agency and (b) other car hire in (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09 and (iii) 2009-10.

Mr Nick Gibb: The total amount spent on Ministerial travel by the Government Car and Despatch Agency has already been published and can be found at: (i) http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm080722/wmstext/80722m0008.htm (ii) http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090716/wmstext/90716m0009.htm (iii) http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm101028/wmstext/101028m0001.htm#10102827000372 Information regarding expenditure on other car hire, such as impromptu taxi hire, was not held by the Department centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Schools: Libraries

Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in England have a specifically designated library for use by pupils as a proportion of the total number of schools.

Mr Nick Gibb: We do not collect data on the number of primary or secondary schools that provide a specifically designated library for their pupils.The Government is fully supportive of school libraries and aware of the important role they play in encouraging young people to read for pleasure. We know that many headteachers recognise the role libraries can play in improving young people’s literacy and ensure that suitable library facilities are provided.

Correspondence

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how often her Department reviews its processes regarding the logging of emails, letters and other correspondence received; and if she will make a statement.

Mr Nick Gibb: The Department for Education’s process for logging and allocating email and hard copy correspondence has been subjected to ongoing review and improvement over the last four years. A detailed process review was completed recently and more efficient arrangements put in place as part of preparations for the introduction of a new IT system. That system is due to be implemented over the next few months. The Department aims to respond to all correspondence within 15 working days. Cabinet Office guidance on handling correspondence from Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Lords, MEPs and Members of devolved administrations is available online at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/61196/guide-handling-gov-correspondence.pdf

Ministry of Justice

Drake Hall Prison

Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many packages of books delivered to HM Prison Drake Hall were found to contain drugs in each of the last five years.

Andrew Selous: The trafficking of drugs and other unauthorised items presents a serious threat to security in prisons and the National Offender Management Service employs a range of measures to deter and detect such activity. There have always been controls on the sending of parcels into prisons; the revised Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) national policy framework, which came into effect on 1 November 2013, has simply ensured greater consistency across the prison estate. We now have simple rules that allow prisoners a parcel of items when they first arrive in prison, and then only further items in exceptional circumstances. The restrictions were introduced to enhance existing security measures and to prevent the IEP policy framework from being undermined. Prisoners continue to be able to order books from reputable suppliers, which they can receive via the prison shop and they can also borrow books from the prison library. Incidents of finds of illicit items prior to the introduction of the revised IEP arrangements are recorded on a central incident reporting system. A study of data reported by Drake Hall prison during the period in question indicates that there were no finds of illicit drugs in items sent in.

Prisons: Private Sector

Dr Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prison officer grade staff were employed in each private sector prison in (a) March and (b) June 2014.

Andrew Selous: The Ministry of Justice and National Offender Management Service do not hold this staffing information on prisons run by private contractors. However, the private contractors have been contacted with a request for this information. I do not have this at the current time, but when I do receive it, I will write to you again with further information. It is a basic expectation of all prisons that they manage their staffing levels so that they are safe and able to provide appropriate custodial and other services.

Prisons: Bullying

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate he has made of the number of incidents of bullying in adult prisons in each year since May 2010.

Andrew Selous: The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) takes the issue of violence in prison very seriously. NOMS policy guidance states that every verbal or physical act of violence must be challenged. This includes bullying. Prisons have a local violence reduction strategy in place, which includes local anti-bullying approaches. Prisoners are made aware that information relating to their involvement in violent acts, intimidation or bullying will be recorded and could impact on their future parole decisions. Any prisoners engaging in violent behaviour, including bullying, will have their privileges removed and be subject to prosecution or disciplinary action.NOMS has systems in place to deal with perpetrators quickly and robustly. Victims of violence, including bullying, must also be supported and protected. The responsibility for monitoring and managing bullying is held locally. There are no central estimates of the number of incidents of bullying in adult prisons but such incidents are included in other measures.

Prisoners: Foreign Nationals

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many foreign national prisoners are serving sentences in prisons for offences committed outside the UK.

Andrew Selous: Information on the jurisdiction in which foreign national prisoners committed their offence(s) is not centrally held and could only be obtained by a manual check of their records, which would incur disproportionate cost.

Drugs: Misuse

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many previous convictions at the time of sentence each offender sentenced to immediate custody for a single offence of possession of (a) class A, (b) class B and (c) class C drugs had in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Mike Penning: Drug offending is serious in itself and drug abuse also underlies a huge volume of acquisitive and violent crime which can blight communities. Previous convictions, where they are recent and relevant, must be treated as an aggravating factor by the courts and will make the sentence more severe. The independent Sentencing Council issued a sentencing guideline on drug offences, effective from February 2012, which brought sentencing guidance together for the first time to help to ensure consistent and proportionate sentencing for all drug offences that come before courts. The table below shows the number of offenders sentenced to immediate custody for the possession of (a) class A, (b) class B and (c) class C drugs offence in England and Wales, for the 12 months ending March 2014, by the number of previous convictions.



Immediate custody for drug offences
(Excel SpreadSheet, 35 KB)

Wills

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps the Government is taking to encourage more people to make a will.

Mr Shailesh Vara: The Government believes it is important that people consider what they want to happen to their property when they die. I would encourage people of all ages to ensure they have properly considered making a will so that, if the worst happens, their property is passed on in line with their wishes. We are currently considering what steps we can take to raise awareness of the importance of making a will.

Brixton Prison

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prisoners held in HMP Brixton for what offences were (a) over 70, (b) in a wheelchair, (c) using a walking frame and (d) recorded as having hernia problems from 9 January 2014 to 7 February 2014.

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prisoners held in HMP Belmarsh for what offences were (a) over 70, (b) in a wheelchair, (c) using a walking frame and (d) recorded as having hernia problems from 23 December 2013 to 9 January 2014.

Andrew Selous: I am unable to disclose the information requested. Disclosure of this sensitive personal data could lead to individual prisoners being identified due to the low numbers matching the criteria.

Witnesses

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many Witness Care staff were employed at each Crown court in England and Wales in each year since 2010.

Mike Penning: The Ministry of Justice provides grant funding to Victim Support to provide support to witnesses at both the Crown Court and magistrates’ courts in England and Wales. The information, as well as the emotional and practical support provided by the service to witnesses who are attending court to give evidence, is a vital part of our commitment to support victims and witnesses. The Ministry of Justice does not routinely collect data on the number of staff deployed to each court by Victim Support. Victim Support has provided the following breakdown of staff deployed at each Crown Court location for each year since 2010 and includes Victim Support’s assessment of their Full Time Equivalent apportionment. Some staff are deployed full-time at the Crown Court, while others provide support at Crown Court alongside some apportionment of their time for other local witness and victim services. Approximately 200,000 witnesses received support from the Witness Service in 2013-14.Annex ACrown Court NameStaff numbers 2010Staff numbers 2011Staff numbers 2012Staff numbers 2013Staff numbers 2014Birmingham CC432.52.52.5Caernarfon CC & Dolgellau CC1.251.251.251.251.25Cardiff CC11.51.51.251.25Carmarthen Combined Court0.50.50.50.50.5Coventry CC32111Derby Combined Courts11111Hereford CC110.50.50.5Leamington CC1111.251.25Leicester CC11111Lincoln CC11111Merthyr CC11111Mold CC0.750.750.750.750.75Newport CC0.750.750.750.750.75Northampton CC11111Nottingham CC1.51.251.251.51.5Shrewsbury CC110.50.50.5Stafford CC11111Stoke-on-Trent Combined Court110.80.80.8Swansea CC11.251.251.251.25Wolverhampton CC32111Worcester CC11111Blackfriars CC11111Central CC22222Croydon CC11111Harrow CC11111Inner London CC21111Isleworth CC11111Kingston CC11111Snaresbrook CC22222Southwark CC11111Wood Green CC11111Woolwich CC11111Bolton Combined Court21.41.41.41.4Bradford CC1.51.51.51.41.4Burnley CC0.530.530.530.530.53Carlisle CC11111Chester CC11111Doncaster CC0.750.750.750.750.75Durham CC32222Grimsby CC11112Hull CC11112Leeds CC1.91.91.51.51.5Liverpool CC3.62.452.452.452.4Minshull St CC2.41.81.81.81.8Newcastle CC22222Preston CC22221.75Sheffield CC22222Teesside CC22222Manchester Crown Square2.41.81.81.81.8Warrington CC11111York CC11112Lancaster CC - SDM also ran Lancaster MCWS0.480.480.480.480.48Amersham CC0.590.590.590.590.45Aylesbury CC0.480.590.590.590.45Basildon CC11111Bournemouth CC0.70.70.70.70.7Bristol CC1.51.51.51.51Cambridge CC0.750.750.50.40.4Canterbury CC11111Chelmsford CC10.8111Chichester Combined Court0.530.420.40.40.5Dorchester Crown0.50.50.50.50.5Exeter CC11111Gloucester CC0.670.670.670.80.8IOW Combined Courts110.50.50.5Ipswich CC11111Lewes and Hove Combined Courts2.52.2222Luton CC0.50.50.511Maidstone CC11111Norwich CC11111Oxford Combined Court Centre1.21.21.21.21.2Peterborough CC0.440.440.440.50.5Plymouth CC0.80.80.80.80.8Portsmouth CC1.51.51.522Reading CC1.61.61.661.661.66Salisbury Combined Court0.210.240.240.240.24Southampton CC2.32.32.32.31.3St Albans CC110.80.80.8Swindon Combined Court0.50.50.50.50.5Taunton CC1.51.51.51.52Truro CC0.80.80.80.80.8Winchester CC1.61.61.61.61.6Southend Combined Court11110.6Guildford CC11111Knutsford CC0.250.250*0*0*[1][1] Due to reduced workload across Cheshire, this two-courtroom venue has not been used for hearings since May 2010

Freedom of Information

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many freedom of information requests received by his Department were (a) responded and (b) not responded to within the statutory period in each year since 2010.

Simon Hughes: The Ministry of Justice publishes quarterly and annual statistical reports on thehandling of requests for information made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The reports, which date back to 2010, include statistics on the number of requests where the Department responded within the statutory period. These reports can be accessed via the following webpage:http://www.justice.gov.uk/statistics/foi/implementation.

Courts: Offensive Weapons

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many incidents of confiscation of (a) knives, (b) firearms and (c) other weapons in (i) magistrates and (ii) Crown courts there were in each year since 2010.

Mr Shailesh Vara: The number of confiscated knives, firearms and other weapons in Magistrates and Crown Courts are as follows:  KnivesFirearms (incl. Replicas)Other weapons **  CrownMagistratesCrownMagistratesCrownMagistrates 12/13*32212526142462325 13/14705310872410026418 Total10274360133812488743 * Figures for 2012/13 include data for an additional 8 week period from 1 February 2012 when the Total Facilities Management (TFM) contract was introduced. ** ’Other weapons’ are items Security deem could be used as a weaponMy Department takes the issue of security within courts extremely seriously and has a robust security and safety system to protect all court users and the Judiciary. This system includes mandatory bag searches, metal detectors and surveillance cameras, as well as court security officers who have the legislative powers to protect all those in the court building. The powers of a court security office includes the power to request the surrender of a prohibited item or, if the request is refused, to seize the item. Our security system is continually monitored to ensure that it is effective and proportionate and mitigates against the risks faced. The figures provided do not cover the period prior to 1 February 2012 as there was no consolidated reporting of items confiscated from court users prior to the introduction of the Total Facilities Management contract.

Prisons: Ministers of Religion

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many and what proportion of (a) adult and (b) youth secure estate establishments have imams.

Andrew Selous: There were a total of 70 adult prisons which had one or more directly employed Muslim chaplain on 30 June 2014, representing 65% of all adult establishments. 14 establishments in the youth secure estate had one or more directly employed Muslim Chaplain on 30 June 2014, representing 93% of the establishments. This information includes both public and private sector establishments. Access to Muslim Chaplains is more widespread than it appears from these figures. There are 393 imams employed across the prison estate, and the majority of establishments have access to Muslim Chaplains even if they don’t have a directly employed Muslim Chaplain attached to the establishment.

Prisons: Ministers of Religion

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prison chaplains there are of each faith.

Andrew Selous: The number of prison chaplains that were directly employed in the Prison Service of England and Wales as at 30 June 2014 can be found in the table below. The information covers both the public and private sectors. Where directly employed Chaplains are not available religious services are also provided by Chaplains engaged on a sessional basis. Table: Directly Employed Prison Service Chaplains - as at 30 June 2014ReligionHeadcountChristian240Muslim100Sikh~Hindu~Buddhist~Unknown / Others40Total390  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 in line with the department’s policy for presenting staffing data. Totals are formed from unrounded parts prior to rounding. For this reason, totals may not equal the sum of their rounded parts.The symbol ~ represents 5 or fewer

Performance Appraisal

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many officials in his Department of what (a) gender, (b) ethnicity and (c) age received the Civil Service Employment Policy Performance Management System's (i) exceeded, (ii) met and (iii) must improve performance mark in 2013-14.

Mr Shailesh Vara: Staff in the Department are currently compiling this data and it will be published on the MoJ website once available. I will write to the Rt. Hon member when the data is available.

Tobacco: Smuggling

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many successful prosecutions there have been for the illicit sale of tobacco in each of the last five years.

Mike Penning: The Government regards illegal tobacco sales as damaging to health and to public revenue and is keen to ensure that those who offend are brought to justice. The number of prosecutions and convictions for the illicit sale of tobacco under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 can be viewed in the table. Following the rise in the legal age limit to buy tobacco from 16 to 18 years in 2007, the number of prosecutions brought against retailers rose sharply. Numbers have since returned to more usual pre-2007 levels.



Found guilty for sale of tobacco to under 16s
(Excel SpreadSheet, 15 KB)

Prisoners

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the current national population is of (a) HM prisons and (b) privately-run prisons.

Andrew Selous: Individual prison population and capacity information for every prison in England and Wales, as well as the total population and useable operational capacity of the prison estate is published monthly on the Ministry of Justice website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prison-population-figures-2014   The latest monthly publication shows that on Friday 31 October 2014 the total prison population in England and Wales was 84,578 of which 14,891 prisoners were held in private prisons. Population information for National Offender Management Service operated immigration removal centres has not been included.

Private Finance Initiative

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the total private finance initiative liabilities of his Department are for the next 20 years; and if he will make a statement.

Simon Hughes: The MoJ (the core Department and its Executive Agencies) had Private Finance Initiative liabilities of £4,420,376,000 as at 31 March 2014. These liabilities related to 22 contracts, the details of which are in the table attached.



Table of PFI Liabilities
(Word Document, 42.5 KB)

Prisons: Wrexham

Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what financial penalties would be incurred by the cancellation of the contract with Lend Lease for the construction of HM Prison Wrexham.

Andrew Selous: Lend Lease won a competition for the Design and Construction of the New Prison at Wrexham, North Wales. The Design and Construction arrangements under the Partnering Agreement with Lend Lease are divided into three separate contracts. The first contract is for the design development of the prison, the second is for pre-commencement enabling works and the third contract is for the construction of the prison. To date the first two of these contracts have been entered into and the aim is to sign the construction contract in January 2015. The forms of contract used do not include 'penalties' for early termination of the contractor's employment, however, they do require the MoJ to pay the total amount properly due to the constructor for the value of all materials, goods, equipment and any other constructor’s reasonable costs incurred prior to the cancellation of the contract, including the costs of properly protecting and securing the site following the notice of termination. The cost of early termination of any of these contracts is therefore dependant upon the timing of the issue of a termination notice.

Grandparents

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to create a statutory right for grandparents to have access to their grandchildren in the case of family breakdown involving the children's parents.

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many injunctions have been issued that prevent grandparents from having contact with their grandchildren in the last five years.

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the suitability of provisions for grandparents to have access to their grandchildren in the case of family breakdown involving the children's parents.

Simon Hughes: When making any decision about a child’s upbringing the court’s paramount consideration will be the welfare of the child. Under the provisions of the Children Act 1989, grandparents are required to seek the permission of the court before making an application for a child arrangements order for them to spend time with or have contact with their grandchildren or have their grandchildren live with them. The Government believes that the requirements for grandparents, and other family members who are not parents, to seek permission from the court to apply for an order are proportionate and do not unfairly disadvantage grandparents. Information on the number of cases where grandparents are not granted an order to have contact with or spend time with their grandchildren are not collected centrally.

Slavery

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions there have been under section 71 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 in each of the last five years; and in how many such cases the victim was a child.

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions there have been under sections 57 and 59 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 in each of the last five years; and in how many such cases the victim was a child.

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many (a) prosecutions and (b) convictions there have been under section 4 of the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 in each of the last five years; and in how many such cases the victim was a child.

Mike Penning: Regrettably, this information is still being assembled from a variety of statistical sources. Officials are contacting a number of individual courts to put together a response. I will write to the Honourable Member as soon as it is available. A copy of the letter will be placed in the House Library.

Torbay

Mr Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many visits were made by Ministers in his Department to Torbay constituency in the 12 months to 14 October 2014; whom the invitation for each such visit was issued by; and what the cost to the public purse was of each such visit.

Andrew Selous: Ministers from this Department have not visited Torbay in the past 12 months.

Probation

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many referrals have been made to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements Approved Hostels and Interventions, including Programmes in each month of the last two years.

Andrew Selous: The Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements are a mechanism through which criminal justice agencies can better discharge their statutory responsibilities and protect the public in a co-ordinated manner. MAPPA is designed to protect the public, including previous victims of crime, from serious harm by sexual and violent offenders. MAPPA is not an agency or body in its own right but rather requires local agencies dealing with offenders to work together in partnership in order to manage risk. MAPPA does not commission or operate interventions or programmes and none is unique to offenders managed under MAPPA.Approved Premises (formerly known as probation or bail hostels) are used to provide enhanced supervision for higher-risk offenders who have been released from prison after completing the custodial part of their sentence. They also house a small number of defendants on bail. Requiring higher-risk offenders to reside in an Approved Premises enables us to monitor and supervise them as effectively as possible. Whilst in an Approved Premises, they are subject to a curfew and other controls, whilst Approved Premises staff working closely with local police officers to respond quickly to any signs of escalating risk. It would be much more difficult to monitor them if they were dispersed into less suitable accommodation throughout the community.Whether an offender is admitted to an Approved Premises depends on specific monitoring and risk management need. Not all offenders under MAPPA are admitted and not all offenders in Approved Premises are managed under MAPPA. The table below shows the number of offenders managed under MAPPA who were admitted to an Approved Premises in each month between September 2012 and August 2014 (the most recent for which we have full data). Data about offenders who were referred to APs but not admitted is not collected in a way that would allow us to distinguish those under MAPPA management.No data is collected about the numbers of offenders who are required to undertake particular programmes or other interventions as part of the terms of their release licences. All offenders, whether or not managed under MAPPA, will undertake some interventions intended to address their offending behaviour and reduce re-offending. The choice of intervention will be tailored to the individual offender’s needs.   Admissions to Approved Premises September 2012 – August 2014 MonthMAPPA offenders admitted to Approved PremisesSep 2012776Oct 2012883Nov 2012950Dec 2012741Jan 2013799Feb 2013747Mar 2103828Apr 2013857May 2013931Jun 2013847Jul 2013963Aug 2013901Sep 2013911Oct 2013837Nov 2013842Dec 2013798Jan 2014853Feb 2014801Mar 2014782Apr 2014839May 2014831Jun 2014803Jul 2014852Aug 2014842

Courts

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many cases (a) magistrates' courts and (b) the Crown courts received in each year since 2010.

Mr Shailesh Vara: The number of proceedings held at magistrates’ court and at crown court in each year since 2010 are published on the Ministry of Justice website and can be viewed at the following link:-https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/358650/court-statistics-main-tables-april-june-2014.xls The number of cases received by the magistrates' courts can be found in table 3.1 and the number of cases received by the Crown Court can be found in table 3.3.

Prisons: Ministers of Religion

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prison service investigations there were into prison imams in each year since 2010; and what were the reasons for those investigations and the outcomes of such investigations.

Andrew Selous: The number of investigations into prison imams completed between 1 January 2010 and 30 June 2014 was 13, 9 of which resulted in disciplinary action. Figures have not been provided for individual years as the numbers in each year, other than 2013, are five or fewer. The detail cannot be provided to prevent identification or disclosure relating to individual cases. Similarly, information on the alleged breach of conduct and discipline is not being provided for the same reasons. There are 100 directly employed and also 120 sessional Muslim Chaplains. All employed Chaplains go through a robust recruitment process. Following a competency based application and panel sift there is a three part board consisting of sermon, role play and panel interview. A Chaplain also requires endorsement by their faith community - for Muslim Chaplains this would be the NOMS Muslim Adviser. Sessional Muslim Chaplains are required to have the appropriate Islamic credentials checked by our Muslim Adviser. A disciplinary investigation for an employed Chaplain follows the same process as that for any other NOMS employee.

Criminal Proceedings: Veterans

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many times officials conducting his Department's review of veterans in the criminal justice system have formally consulted the review's Advisory Committee since the launch of the review.

Mike Penning: The Chair of the independent review of veterans in the criminal justice system, Stephen Phillips, has formally met the Advisors to the review four times. A number of the advisors have attended two visits and they are also being consulted on the text of the report.

Crime: Nature Conservation

Mr David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many convictions there were for offences under wildlife protection legislation in (a) Bury St Edmunds constituency, (b) Suffolk and (c) England and Wales in each of the last three years.

Mike Penning: The coalition government recognises the devastating impact wildlife crime has on both the environment and in funding organised criminality, and we take the issue, both domestically and internationally, very seriously.  We have changed recording practices to ensure that, for the first time, wildlife crime is reported as a separate item in police recorded crime. However, we recognise that the legislation could be modernised and simplified. That is why we have asked the Law Commission to consider the scope for reforming wildlife law. Offenders found guilty of offences under wildlife protection legislation in the Suffolk Police Force Area and in England and Wales from 2009 to 2013 can be viewed in the table. Information cannot be separately identified by parliamentary constituency



Offenders guilty of offences under selected Acts
(Excel SpreadSheet, 35.5 KB)

Ministerial Policy Advisers

Mr Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how much has been claimed in reimbursable expenses by special advisers in his Department in each year since 2010.

Andrew Selous: The below table sets out the total expenses claimed by Special Advisers in the Department in each year from 2010. This is drawn from a search of records held, including the Ministry of Justice online system for claiming travel and subsistence expenditure. These expenses were necessarily incurred in the course of official business (including accompanying Ministers on visits and other engagements), in line with our policies. Records of expenses claimed by Special Advisers prior to April 2010 are not held.Expenses incurred from April 2010 - October 2014  YearTotal (£)20100   2011129.1   2012161.9   2013170.2   201489   Total550.2

Welsh Language

Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent assessment he has made of the need to provide access to his Department's services in Welsh.

Mike Penning: This Government is fully committed to the Welsh language and fully committed to providing Government services in the Welsh language where there is demand for them. It is important that in the non-devolved areas sufficient support should be given to the Welsh language, and the Government is committed to ensuring this is done. The Ministry of Justice, and each of its main delivery arms conducting business or delivering services to the public in Wales, operate Welsh Language Schemes in accordance with section 5 of the Welsh Language Act 1993. These Schemes are used to ensure that Welsh language requirements are considered and delivered for the public and offenders in Wales, so far as is both appropriate in the circumstances and reasonably practicable.

Magistrates' Courts

Mr Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the change in the number of people employed at magistrates' courts has been in each year since 2010.

Mr Shailesh Vara: The table provides the total reduction of staff by FTE since 2010.Total reduction of staff by FTE in magistrates’ court2010-20112011-20122012-20132013-20142010-2014461.79743.45383.84310.301,899.38  The reduction in HM Courts and Tribunals staff in magistrates’ courts over the period shown has been driven by the falling workload in the magistrates’ court and by efficiency savings made by the Courts Service.

Prison Service

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many detached duty staff were working in each prison in each month since June 2014.

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, which prisons were contributors to detached duty in each month since January 2014.

Andrew Selous: Information on the contribution of staff working on detached duty at 30 June 2014, the date of the most recent published staffing data, was included in the answer provided to you previously on 17 October 2014,http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-questions-answers/?page=1&max=20&questiontype=AllQuestions&house=commons%2clords&uin=209423 Information on which prisons have contributed to detached duty in each month since January 2014 can be found in the table below. Table: List of prisons contributing staff on detached duty January - June 2014January - March 2014Prisons supplying staff on detached dutyJanuaryFebruaryMarchDownviewDownviewDownviewThe VerneThe VerneThe VerneReadingReadingWarren HillWarren HillWarren HillNorwichNorwichNorwichBureBureBureStoke HeathStoke HeathStoke HeathKirklevington GrangeEastwood ParkKirklevington GrangeDeerboltKirklevington GrangeDeerboltLancaster FarmsDeerboltKennetColdingleyKennetLancaster FarmsLeedsLancaster FarmsColdingley ColdingleyChelmsford ChelmsfordDover DoverLeeds Leeds  Wealstun  Dorchester  Various North East PrisonsApril - June 2014 Prisons supplying staff on detached dutyAprilMayJuneDownviewDownviewDownviewThe VerneThe VerneThe VerneWarren HillWarren HillWarren HillNorwichNorwichNorwichBureBureBureStoke HeathStoke HeathKirklevington GrangeEastwood ParkEastwood ParkDeerboltKirklevington GrangeKirklevington GrangeKennetDeerboltDeerboltDoverKennetKennetLeedsLancaster FarmsLancaster FarmsWealstunColdingleyColdingleyBristolDoverDoverChannings WoodLeedsLeedsHolme HouseWealstunWealstunThorn CrossBristolBristolBuckley HallChannings WoodChannings WoodKirkhamDartmoorDartmoorRisleyGrendonGrendonWetherbyHaslarHaslarCardiffHighpointHighpointHullSendSendSheppey ClusterFranklandFrankland Holme HouseHolme House LiverpoolLiverpool Thorn CrossThorn Cross WymottWymott Buckley HallBuckley Hall KirkhamKirkham RisleyRisley WetherbyWetherby WoldsWolds New HallNew Hall MaidstoneMaidstone SwanseaSwansea UskUsk CardiffCardiff LincolnLincoln Morton HallMorton Hall WhattonWhatton RanbyRanby  Preston  Lewes

Courts: Repairs and Maintenance

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2014 to Question 209523, when he plans to write to the hon. Member for Houghton and Sunderland South with the information promised in that answer.

Mr Shailesh Vara: Further to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Houghton and Sunderland South on 14 October 2014, we believe there are in excess of 100 courts that are over 100 years old and the data we hold is subject to detailed checks. These checks are being carried out and I will write again to the Hon. Member as soon as I am able to do so.

Ministry of Defence

Armed Forces: Pensions

Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of enabling all armed forces' widows to retain their pension in the event of later cohabiting or remarrying.

Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to enable war widows who remarried between 1973 and 2005 to keep their pensions.

Anna Soubry: We have decided to change both the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 75 (AFPS75) and the War Pension Scheme (WPS). The changes we have made will ensure that from 1 April 2015, widows, widowers and surviving civil partners of all members of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme will now retain their pensions for life, fulfilling the Government's ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.From 1 April 2015 the spouse or civil partner of all members of AFPS75 and any WPS widows will retain their pension for life if they have not already surrendered it due to remarriage or cohabitation.For those who have already surrendered their pension due to remarriage or cohabitation, should that relationship end they can apply to have their pension restored for life.

Veterans: Visual Impairment

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the number of veterans who have left the armed forces with visual impairment injuries in each of the last 10 years.

Anna Soubry: Holding answer received on 22 October 2014



Between 1 April 2004 and 31 March 2014, a total of 34 UK Regular Service personnel were medically discharged with a principal or contributory cause of an eye injury and a vision impairment. An additional 160 personnel were medically discharged with a principal or contributory cause of an eye injury or vision impairment. The attached table details the number of UK Regular Service personnel medically discharged with a principal or contributory condition of visual impairment injuries or disorders during the period 1 April 2004 and 31 March 2014. 



UK Regular Service personnel medically discharged
(Word Document, 30 KB)

Radar: Hebrides

Mr Angus Brendan MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what area of (a) sea and (b) land in square miles is covered by the defence radars on Uist.

Mr Philip Dunne: Radar ranges depend on many factors, for example target size, direction, height and atmosphere.

Islamic State

Mr Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of the remaining UK Reapers in Afghanistan will be redeployed to support the coalition mission against the Islamic State of Iraq and ISIL.

Mr Mark Francois: For reasons of safeguarding operational security, the Ministry of Defence will not be providing details on the final number of RAF Reaper aircraft deployed to the Middle East from Afghanistan.

Middle East

Mr Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department is continuing to implement a zero casualty policy in support of the airstrikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and ISIL.

Mr Mark Francois: The UK seeks to avoid civilian casualties while undertaking airstrikes against ISIL targets. All airstrikes are conducted in accordance with International Humanitarian Law, following the principles of distinction, humanity, proportionality and military necessity. The UK's clearly defined Rules of Engagement are formulated on this basis. The same strict Rules of Engagement that govern the use of manned military aircraft also apply to remotely piloted aircraft systems. Careful selection and approval of targets before a strike, together with the use of precision guided weapons, minimises collateral damage and the potential for civilian casualties. This contrasts sharply with ISIL's brutal disregard for human life.

Fire Services: Retirement

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what representations he has received on the retirement age of his Department's firefighters; and if he will make a statement.

Anna Soubry: I receive regular written representations from right hon. and hon. Members, Trade Unions and others on this issue.I have this year met the Prospect and Unite unions to discuss the normal pension age of the Defence Fire and Rescue Service. The issue was also raised at the Defence Whitley committee which I chaired in May and during my visit to the Defence Fire Training and Development Centre at Manston.

Iraq

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many missions the RAF has flown in 2014 to date in Iraq.

Mr Mark Francois: From 1 January to 10 November 2014, the total number of RAF missions flown in Iraq by all UK military aircraft is 251.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many F-35 Lightning II aircraft are intended to operate on each of the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers will have the capacity to operate up to 36 Lightning II aircraft and four helicopters fitted with AEW radar. The QEC aircraft carriers are extremely versatile platforms and the precise mix of aircraft deployed will depend on the type of mission being undertaken. Operations in the littoral, for example, may require embarkation of more helicopters and fewer fast jets.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Mr Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's policy is on basing (a) UK Reapers and (b) other remotely piloted aircraft on the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Royal Navy has made no decision regarding the future deployment of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) from the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers at this stage. The Royal Navy is, however, developing a Maritime UAS Strategy paper describing the requirement to 2050, and is working with industry on this issue.

Buildings

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many buildings his Department sold in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013 and (e) 2014.

Anna Soubry: Holding answer received on 17 November 2014



The Ministry of Defence does not record the sales of each individual building; however we do record our disposal sales, which range from large defence sites to smaller parcels of land which are listed below by financial year (FY): FY2010-11 - 76FY2011-12 - 100FY2012-13 - 108FY2013-14 - 97FY2014-15 - 29 (up to 31 October 2014)

Procurement

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many contracts signed by his Department with suppliers of services or consultants include a clause providing that if the contract is abrogated by the Government, the provider or consultant will be compensated for lost income since 2010.

Mr Philip Dunne: Ministry of Defence policy and procedures regarding the abrogation of contracts is through the use of Defence Condition 656 as published in the Acquisition Operating Framework which is available on the GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/acquisition-operating-framework. The information requested is not held centrally and would require a manual check of all contracts let since 2010, which could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Department for Work and Pensions

Mesothelioma: Compensation

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 28 October 2014 to Quesiton 211231, how many applications received under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payments scheme were from people diagnosed (a) between 25 July 2012 and 31 March 2014 and (b) after 1 April 2014.

Mr Mark Harper: Up to and including 30 September 2014: a) 141 applications were received from people diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma between 25 July 2012 and 31 March 2014.b) 25 applications were received from people diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma after 1 April 2014. The remaining 7 applications of the 173 received on or before 30 September 2014 were submitted by people diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma before 25 July 2012.

Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people with disabilities have moved home since becoming subject to the under-occupancy penalty; and what proportion such people are of all those who have moved house since becoming subject to that penalty.

Esther McVey: The Information requested is not readily available and can only be provided at a disproportionate cost. In order to support vulnerable people who require extra help we have provided increased Discretionary Housing Payment funding of £345 million since April 2013 to the end of the spending review period. This includes £25 million per annum intended to help support disabled people to continue to live in homes that have been significantly adapted, and which are larger than they need but where it makes no sense for them to move to alternative accommodation.

Procurement

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many contracts signed by his Department with suppliers of services or consultants include a clause providing that if the contract is abrogated by the Government, the provider or consultant will be compensated for lost income since 2010.

Steve Webb: This information is not collated centrally. However, since January 2011, as part of the Government’s transparency programme, details of procurement opportunities, tender documents and contracts worth over £10,000 are published online on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder), and the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) also publishes details of its contracts on its web site (http://ccs.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/).

Department for Communities and Local Government

Pay

John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many Instant Rewards of what value were given to his Department's officials in (a) 2013 and (b) 2014 to date.

Kris Hopkins: The Department has reduced staffing costs from £218 million a year in 2009-10 to £95 million in 2013-14. We have also completely overhauled and reformed the system of bonuses, in turn, reducing spending from £1.3 million in financial year 2008-09 and £1.2 million in financial year 2009-10 (£1.0 million in performance year 2009-10) to £440,000 in performance year 2013-14. For staff who are not Senior Civil Service, this included replacing the Annual Performance Bonus Scheme and the in-year Special Bonus Scheme, with an Exceptional Performance Scheme and in-year Instant Voucher Reward Scheme. The latter is designed to enable managers to provide immediate acknowledgment of exceptional performance for smaller scale achievements over a short period of time. Vouchers are given in values of £10 to £50. The types of work that may qualify for a nomination include: identifying and taking actions that results in cost savings and efficiencies;stepping in to support colleagues at short notice to deliver business goals;delivering high quality work ahead of agreed timescales;exceeding the expectations of colleagues or customers;displaying exemplary behaviour which reflects DCLG’s values;receiving outstanding feedback from colleagues or external customers. From the scheme’s launch in June 2013 to December 2013, 360 staff received a reward with an average payment of £34. From January 2014 to September 2014, 285 staff received a reward with an average payment of £30. I am unsure of whether the hon. Member wishes to disparage such small-scale bonuses because they may involve giving out shopping vouchers, yet we believe that they are a cost-effective way of improving staff performance within Whitehall and delivering a better service to the public. Indeed, the vouchers given for saving taxpayers’ money have delivered at least £40,000 of quantifiable savings and further efficiency improvements on top. Under the Labour Government, the state congratulated those that regulated more, spent more and taxed more. We want to reward those who regulate less, spend less and tax less. I would hope the hon. Member, as a Co-operative Party MP, supports the underlying principles of staff involvement, economic participation and self-improvement which we are embracing.

Welfare Assistance Schemes

Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many hon. Members have written to him to express concerns about the future funding of local welfare assistance schemes.

Mr Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many hon. Members have written to him to express concern about the future funding of local welfare assistance schemes.

Kris Hopkins: The Department receives correspondence on a wide range of matters, typically handling in the region of 10,000 letters a year from hon. Members. On 10 October, the Government published a consultation on local welfare provision in 2015-16, to which hon. Members are very welcome to respond to if they wish.

Devolution: Greater London

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions he has had with the Mayor of London and members of the Greater London Assembly on the devolution of his Department's powers to the Greater London area; and if he will make a statement.

Kris Hopkins: Ministers and officials in the Department have regular discussions with representatives of the Greater London Authority on topical matters and matters relating to decentralisation, including, for example, provisions in the Infrastructure Bill, and the implementation of the housing and regeneration powers devolved through the Localism Act 2011.

Buildings

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many buildings owned by his Department have been sold in each year since 2010.

Kris Hopkins: Holding answer received on 11 November 2014



The Department’s estate largely consists of leasehold properties. Since 2010 the Department has surrendered the following leasehold facilities, reducing the annual cost of the civil estate by around £38.5 million: Building surrenderedLocationCunardLiverpoolBelgrave CentreNottinghamSheffield HouseStevenageMast HousePlymouthRiverwalkLondonWestbrookCambridgeCity TowerManchesterLysnowethTruroPiccadilly GateManchesterBridge HouseGuildfordQueen StreetLeedsEland HouseLondon The move of my Department's main building from Eland House to Marsham Street, to share with the Home Office, will reduce our Department's running costs by £9 million a year from 2015-16, and save taxpayers a total of £220 million over the lifetime of the building's lease commitments. The table below indicates the number of buildings sold in each calendar year: Calendar YearBuildings sold2010Nil2011Nil2012Nil201334201423 The Department did hold one freehold land asset, the Fire Service College which has now been sold. In March 2013, the sale of the 365 acre Fire Service College estate, comprising 34 buildings, other non-habitable structures and land was sold for £10 million. The land was covered by an overage clause meaning the Department will share in any profits from future development of the College site. In addition this has generated savings of £3.9 million in running costs per year.Following the College sale the Department is currently disposing of 33 houses in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, which were formerly part of the Fire Service College but were not sold with the main Fire Service College estate. So far this year 23 of these houses have been sold generating a receipt of £5,163,100, and a further 2 houses are under offer. The market value of the properties upon which sales have been agreed range from £215,000 to £250,000 and the total expected income from the sale of the 33 houses and linked development land is around £7,500,000.The Department holds 10 remaining residential houses at the site, which will be sold during 2015/2016.

Piers

Mr Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many pier companies created by local acts of parliament in the 19th century are still in existence.

Penny Mordaunt: My Department does not hold the specific information requested. Acts of Parliament are a matter of public record and can be found by consulting a legal journal such as Halsbury’s Statutes. Details of any 19th century pier companies, created by local Acts of Parliament, that are still in existence may be found by consulting the online search register at Companies House at http://companieshouse.gov.uk/ According to the National Piers Society, there are 58 surviving piers in the United Kingdom of which 33 are in private sector ownership, 21 are owned by local authorities and 4 are in community or other ownership.

Bridges

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of building regulations and planning controls to regulate the construction of bridges over main water courses.

Stephen Williams: Guidance on construction standards for bridges and structures is published by the Highways Agency in its Design Manual for Roads and Bridges. Volume 1, Section 3, Part 6 covers the design of highways bridges across watercourses. This guidance recommends that the appropriate rivers and water authority is consulted at an early stage. http://www.dft.gov.uk/ha/standards/dmrb/vol1/section3/ba5994.pdf The planning process would cover the location and spatial dimensions of a proposed bridge development. Building regulations do not cover bridges in this respect, unless it formed part of a building.

Councillors

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to encourage more people to stand as councillors.

Kris Hopkins: I refer the hon. Member to the Government response to the Communities and Local Government Select Committee report, Councillors on the frontline (Cm 8582), www.gov.uk/government/publications/councillors-on-the-frontline-government-response As well as to the subsequent Ministerial response to the Westminster Hall debate (5 September 2013, Official Report, Column 186WH) and my evidence to the Select Committee of 21 October 2014.

Scotland Office

Procurement

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many contracts signed by his Department with suppliers of services or consultants include a clause providing that if the contract is abrogated by the Government, the provider or consultant will be compensated for lost income since 2010.

David Mundell: Other than minor or bespoke purchases, the Scotland Office does not undertake direct procurement or tendering projects. It utilises existing service contracts between suppliers and the Scottish Government or the Ministry of Justice. No contracts signed by the Scotland Office since 2010 with suppliers of services or consultants include a clause providing that if the contract is abrogated by the Government, the provider or consultant will be compensated for lost income.

Correspondence

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how often his Department reviews its processes regarding the logging of emails, letters and other correspondence received; and if he will make a statement.

David Mundell: The Scotland Office keeps its logging processes under periodic review and aims to respond to all correspondence within 15 working days.Guidance on handling correspondence from Members of Parliament, Peers, MEPs and Members of devolved Administrations is available online at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/61196/guide-handling-gov-correspondence.pdf.

Travel

John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what total amount his Department spent on ministerial travel by (a) the Government Car and Despatch Agency and (b) other car hire in (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09 and (iii) 2009-10.

David Mundell: The Scotland Office spend on ministerial travel by the Government Car and Despatch Agency and other car hire in 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 was as follows:2007-08 £ 57,913.402008-09 £ 98,602.882009-10 £145,508.75

Pay

Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether (a) all staff in his Department's offices in London and Edinburgh and (b) contractors who provide services in his Departments properties are paid the living wage as defined by the Living Wage Foundation.

Mr Alistair Carmichael: The Scotland Office does not employ staff directly. All staff that join the Office do so on an assignment, secondment or loan agreement from other Government bodies. All staff on such arrangements are paid more than the rate defined by the Living Wage Foundation.The Scotland Office has one contract which provides security for the office in Edinburgh. The Scotland Office does not set the wages paid by the contractors to its workers; however, the wage paid by the contractor is above the national minimum wage. Otherwise, the Office uses framework contracts for building services held by the Ministry of Justice and the Scottish Government.

Buildings

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many buildings his Department sold in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013 and (e) 2014.

David Mundell: The Scotland Office has not owned any buildings since its inception in 1999 and did not sell any buildings in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012, (d) 2013 and (e) 2014.The Scotland Office is making an appropriate contribution to the Government’s land and property strategy by making more efficient use of its leasehold property and making more space available to other government bodies in its buildings.

HM Treasury

Stamp Duty Land Tax

Mrs Anne Main: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he last met the National Association of Estate Agents and similar groups to discuss the effect of stamp duty land tax on the housing market; and for when the next such meeting is planned.

Mr David Gauke: Treasury Ministers have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery.   Details of ministerial and permanent secretary meetings with external organisations on departmental business are published on a quarterly basis and are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-gifts-and-overseas-travel

Bank Services

Ian Swales: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much his Department spent on bank transfer transactions for tax credits and tax refunds in the last financial year.

Priti Patel: Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) includes information on bank charges in its annual report and accounts (Page 138 Other Administration Costs and Page 140 Programme Costs):   https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/330670/HMRC-annual-report-2013-14.pdf

Climate Change Levy

David T. C. Davies: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how revenue raised by the Climate Change Levy was spent in the last year.

Priti Patel: The Government considers that hypothecation, or “earmarking” revenues for a particular spending purpose, is an inefficient way to manage the public finances. Like all Government receipts, revenues are remitted to the consolidated fund to support general expenditure. This allows the Government to allocate resources most efficiently across the economy.

Public Sector: Employment

Chris Ruane: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of reductions in public sector spending on (a) employment rates and (b) household spending power in areas of the country where more than one-third of the workforce is employed in the public sector.

Andrea Leadsom: Analysis of the impact of spending reductions on the economy and forecasts of UK employment are carried out by the Office of Budget Responsibility. The Treasury also publishes analysis of the impact of policy decisions across the income distribution at fiscal events, and annual statistical information showing public expenditure by country, region and function.

Burges Salmon Solicitors

Chris Ruane: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will place in the Library a copy of the 2009 inquiry by the Financial Services Authority into Burges Salmon.

Andrea Leadsom: The publication of material produced as a result of Financial Services Authority (FSA) investigations are a matter for its successor bodies, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).   The FCA have confirmed that the FSA did not undertake any inquiry into Burges Salmon in 2009. Burges Salmon was investigated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), between 2008 and 2010.

Department for Energy and Climate Change

Travel

John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what total amount his Department spent on ministerial travel by (a) the Government Car and Despatch Agency and (b) other car hire in (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09 and (iii) 2009-10.

Amber Rudd: (a) I refer my hon. Friend to the following: The Written Ministerial Statement given by the then Secretary of State for Transport on 22 July 2008, Official Report, Column 116-118WS.The Written Ministerial Statement by then then Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport on 16 July 2009, Official Report, Column 79-80WS.The Written Minsterial Statement given by my rt. hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for Transport on 28 October 2010, Official Report, Column 23WS. (b) Information on other car hire is as follows:The Department was established in October 2008 as a result it does not hold any data for the period of 2007 to September 2008.Data for the period of October 2008 to March 2009 is not readily available as this is not centrally held by the department.£303.74 was spent on other car hire during 2009/10. The high costs to the Government Car and Despatch Agency between 2008 and 2010 were as a result of the Department managing 3 to 4 cars. The Department now manages only one car, which has contributed to bringing down overall costs to travel.

Energy: Competition

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment he has made of changes in competitiveness in the gas and electricity market for consumers in (a) Pendle constituency, (b) the North West and (c) England.

Matthew Hancock: Great Britain operates as a single energy market and therefore competitiveness is assessed on that basis.There are 25 energy suppliers currently operating in the domestic supply market, consisting of 6 major and 19 independent supply companies. Since May 2010, 12 new suppliers have entered the market and they have more than trebled their customer base. Independent suppliers now account for around 9% of the domestic retail market up from 1% in 2010.The best way to keep everyone’s bills down is to help people to save energy, ensure fair tariffs and encourage competition. Ofgem’s measures to reform the retail energy market are making it simpler for consumers to understand. While the Government has ensured that everyone is on the cheapest tariff that their supplier offers (that meets their preference).

Cabinet Office

Procurement: EU Law

Ian Austin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will implement those parts of the 2014 EU Procurement Directives that would introduce reserved contracts for mutuals.

Ian Austin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will meet with the GMB trade union to discuss the implementation of the 2014 EU Procurement Directives.

Ian Austin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he has taken to consult trade unions on the implementation of the 2014 EU Procurement Directives.

Mr Francis Maude: In its recent consultation document, the Government proposed to implement those parts of the 2014 EU Public Procurement Directives that allow certain contracts to be reserved for organisations such as mutuals:https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/transposing-the-2014-eu-procurement-directivesAs part of my Department’s transparency programme, details of Ministerial meetings with external organisations are published on the Cabinet Office website at:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ministers-transparency-publications.The Government is currently analysing responses to its consultation on implementing the 2014 EU Procurement Directives, including comments from the GMB union:https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/transposing-the-2014-eu-procurement-directivesTransposition of the EU Procurement Directives was discussed at a meeting of the Public Services Forum, a group comprising representatives of the CBI, trade unions and public sector employers.

Health

Dr Sarah Wollaston: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what role the new Chief Executive of the Civil Service will have in advising the Government on public health policy.

Dr Sarah Wollaston: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what advice was received by the Government regarding any perceived conflict of interest in allowing the new Chief Executive of the Civil Service to retain his paid directorship position at SAB Miller.

Mr Francis Maude: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland on 7 November 2014 PQ UIN213235 and UIN213236. As Chief Executive of the Civil Service, John Manzoni has no involvement in public health policy and therefore there is no conflict of interest.

Government Departments: Buildings

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which department has oversight of the cumulative effects of closures and relocations of departmental premises on local economies; and what assessment the Government made of the potential cumulative effects on the economy in Rhyl of the closure of premises of the Ministry of Justice, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Francis Maude: The Government is committed to achieving efficiency savings through further rationalisation and reduction of property. Spending controls on government property, including the moratorium on lease breaks and expiries, will result in a reduction in both the cost and size of the estate.Central government departments and their arm’s length bodies are responsible for managing their own workforce planning and portfolios. The location of posts in Departments is generally based on business and operational requirements and kept under regular review.

Department for Culture Media and Sport

Mobile Phones: Theft

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to his Department's announcement of 3 December 2013, on putting an end to shock mobile telephone bills, what progress his Department has made on implementing a consumer liability cap on stolen mobile telephones.

Mr Edward Vaizey: The Telecommunications Consumer Action Plan has made strong progress. To continue important work on this issue I have invited the major Mobile Network Operators to a Round Table meeting, where the MNOs will confirm details of the liability caps they will offer for any unauthorised use of lost or stolen phones.

Football

Sir Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department has taken to implement the conclusions and recommendations of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee's Seventh Report of Session 2010-12, HC 792-I, on football governance; and what further such steps it plans to take.

Mrs Helen Grant: Holding answer received on 17 November 2014



This Government is dedicated to continuing the implementation of this report.I continue to press the football authorities for improvements in their governance of the sport, however significant improvements have been made. For example, the FA Board now meets Sport England governance requirements. Both the Premier League and The FA are providing funding to the supporter groups, including the Football Supporters Federation and Supporters Direct. All Premier League and Football League clubs are now required to have a designated Supporter Liaison Officer and Financial Fair Play rules. These requirements aim to improve financial stability and management across the Leagues. The Expert Group on barriers to supporter ownership and engagement, were proposed by Supporters Direct, and recently launched on 21 October.Following the 2012 Downing Street summit on racism in football, The FA are also now delivering against a whole sport Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Plan called “Football’s for Everyone”. This plan seeks to build equality and inclusion in football.Lastly, I am also pleased to note that the FA Inclusion Advisory Board reports quarterly to DCMS on their progress.

World War I: Anniversaries

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what representations his Department has received on extending the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red poppy installation at the Tower of London beyond 11 November 2014.

Mrs Helen Grant: Five public petitions on this subject have come to DCMS. We have been pleased to help some of the most striking sections of this poignant memorial, by purchasing them for the nation. The Government is pleased to have helped make it possible for these to be seen in different parts of the country before finding a permanent home in the Imperial War Museums.

Nuisance Calls

Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of banning the use of automated telephone dialling technology in order to prevent nuisance calls.

Mr Edward Vaizey: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

World War I: Anniversaries

Mr Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will take steps to disseminate information on the Royal British Legion Every Man Remembered database and encourage further commemorate projects.

Mrs Helen Grant: The Government fully supports the Royal British Legion’s Every Man Remembered website project. This project encourages those alive today to remember all the men and women who lost their lives in the First World War, using data provided by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The Legion is effectively disseminating such information through its local branches and associated publicity campaigns, alongside encouraging schools and other community groups to help remember the remaining 977,172 servicemen who have yet to be commemorated. I am pleased to note that DCMS has offered assistance with the Legion’s communication strategy.

Direct Mail: Fraud

Sir Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to tackle the sending of unsolicited SMS messages which seek to advance illegal money-making scams; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Edward Vaizey: Tackling nuisance calls and SMS text messages is a priority for the Department.In May 2011, the Government provided the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) with a monetary penalty power of £500,000, under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) 2003 to enforce the PECR more effectively.The ICO has issued monetary penalties totaling £315,000 for SMS text messages. Details about enforcement action taken to date by them can be viewed at: http://ico.org.uk/enforcement/action/texts.On 15th July 2014, we amended Section 393 of the Communications Act 2003, which has enabled Ofcom to disclose information to ICO about organisations sending unsolicited texts.On 25 October 2014, the Government published a consultation, which proposes to make it easier for ICO to take enforcement action against organisations, by lowering, or removing the legal threshold.Additionally, the National Trading Standards Board (NTSB) and Trading Standards Scotland continue to support the fight against illegal money lenders. As well as arresting and prosecuting loan sharks, the teams work with community partners to provide access to advice and support for victims. Between April 2012 and June 2014, their Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) specialist work has resulted in 43 custodial sentences being handed down. In the same period, support has been provided to over 2800 victims. The IMLT works together with the new consumer credit regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), to police the market, and can prosecute those who are found to be lending illegally.

Correspondence

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how often his Department reviews its processes regarding the logging of emails, letters and other correspondence received; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs Helen Grant: DCMS aims to reply to all correspondence within twenty working days of receipt. Correspondence processes are reviewed regularly to ensure DCMS delivers the best possible service in this area of work. The last review took place in August 2014.

Travel

John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what total amount his Department spent on ministerial travel by (a) the Government Car and Despatch Agency and (b) other car hire in (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09 and (iii) 2009-10.

Mrs Helen Grant: The amounts spent on the services relating to the question, as derived from Integra (DCMS’ Finance Information System), are:  Year2007/082008/092009/10Govt Car Services320,874303,486336,820Other Car Services16,91410,8234,837

House of Commons Commission

Pay

Sir Greg Knight: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross representing the House of Commons Commission, how many staff employed in the House of Commons Service on 1 January 2014 earned as much or more than a hon. Member; and what the (a) posts and (b) current salaries are of such staff.

John Thurso: The basic salary payable to Members was £66,396 per annum as at 1 January 2014. At that date 78 staff in the House of Commons Service were paid an annual salary above this figure. A list of the posts that have pay band maxima higher than Members’ current salary is attached, together with individual pay of SCS2 and SCS3 staff in £5,000 bands. Details of the current pay ranges are attached. The salaries of Members of the Management Board are disclosed in the House of Commons: Administration annual accounts which are available on the Parliament website.



Posts in Senior Commons Structure and pay band A1
(PDF Document, 87.1 KB)




House of Commons Senior Pay Bands
(PDF Document, 84.27 KB)

Deputy Prime Minister

Local Enterprise Partnerships: South West

Oliver Colvile: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what discussions he has had with the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership about the timing and size of the second phase of local growth deals.

Greg Clark: The Deputy Prime Minister has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Local Enterprise Partnerships

John Howell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what progress he has made on Local Growth Deals.

Greg Clark: Growth Deals are a crucial part of the Government’s long term economic plan to secure a better future and stronger economy for our country.   In 2014, we announced 39 Growth Deals as the first phase of a £12 billion boost to local economies that will provide thousands of new jobs and homes as well as improving infrastructure across the country. We are determined to build on the success of the first wave of Growth Deals.   The Government is currently discussing priorities for the next round of Growth Deals with Local Enterprise Partnerships, as well as advising and supporting on delivery arrangements for existing funded Growth Deal projects.

Economic Growth: North of England

Steve Rotheram: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what progress he has made on the Northern Futures project.

Greg Clark: The Northern Futures project has been a great success, introducing a more open and inventive style of policy making and engaging thousands of people across the North in the process.   Nearly 2,000 people are following the Northern Futures twitter account. More than 300 have attended town hall events with me in Sheffield, Leeds and Stockport. 170 gave up their time to join ‘open ideas days’ in eight cities across the North, including in Liverpool. More than 300 people attended our Northern Futures Summit in Leeds on November 6th.   In addition, TechNorth will be established to support the region’s tech businesses.

Electoral Register

Iain McKenzie: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what steps the Government plans to take to raise the number of people registered to vote.

Greg Clark: Voter registration is now easier and more convenient than ever before with the launch of on-line registration. Applying to register now takes as little as 2-3 minutes and has been a big success so far – over 3 million people have applied to register to vote under Individual Electoral Registration, the majority on-line and over 90% of users are satisfied with the on-line service.   We have also invested £4.2 million shared across every ERO in Great Britain and 5 national organisations to support the costs of activities aimed at increasing the rate of voter registration.

Local Government: Urban Areas

John Pugh: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what recent progress he has made on city-region deals.

Greg Clark: The Government has a long standing relationship with partners in the Liverpool City Region which has seen the successful negotiation of three landmark deals.  In 2012, The Liverpool City and Liverpool City Region Deals created a £75 million Mayoral Investment Fund to support economic development to build a further 12 new schools and £5m support to organise the 2014 International Festival for Business.  Building on the two deals, Liverpool City Region saw the agreement of a £232m Growth Deal in July 2014. According to estimates by the Local Enterprise Partnership, by 2021 the Growth Deal will bring to Liverpool City Region, up to 10,000 jobs, 10,000 new homes and up to an additional £30m into the Liverpool City Region economy from public and private investment.   We are engaged in an on-going dialogue with the partners about the delivery of these three deals.

House of Lords

Mr David Hanson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what the Government's policy is on reform of the House of Lords.

Greg Clark: The Government remains fully committed to the principle of House of Lords Reform. In a modern democracy, there should be elected members in both Houses, which was the intention of the Government’s House of Lords Reform Bill in 2012.   The Government continues to favour a reformed upper House containing mostly elected members even though it has not been possible to pass legislation to achieve this in this Parliament.

Local Government: Urban Areas

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what progress he has made on identifying areas not included in the first and second wave of City Deals to be prioritised for subsequent initiatives.

Greg Clark: Building on the success of City Deals, we extended the opportunity to every Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in the Country, to negotiate a bespoke Growth Deal with Government.   These Growth Deals, announced in July, put significant funding into the hands of LEPs, and saw the agreement of significant new freedoms and flexibilities. In Lancaster, £17m of Growth Deal funding (with £58m of private match) will establish new facilities at the Lancaster Health Innovation Park.

Department of Health

Patients: Safety

Paul Uppal: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many patient safety alerts have occurred in each month since May 2010.

Dr Daniel Poulter: Patient safety alerts are a crucial part of NHS England’s work to alert the healthcare system rapidly to risks and provide guidance on preventing potential incidents that may lead to harm or death. They are publications providing urgent information to healthcare providers via the Central Alerting System. Prior to the establishment of NHS England, patient safety alerts were issued by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA).   We do not record the number of patient safety alerts issued by month; however, a list of alerts with their issue dates for the period 2013-2014 is attached.   A full list of alerts issued by NPSA from 2002-2012 can be viewed at:   http://www.nrls.npsa.nhs.uk/alerts/ 



List of Patient Safety Alerts 2013-14
(Excel SpreadSheet, 10.22 KB)

Mental Health Services

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many patients who were discharged from acute mental health services received a seven-day follow-up in each of the last three years.

Norman Lamb: The information is not available in the format requested. The available information is provided below.   The Mental Health Minimum Data Set has data for the number of discharges from acute mental health services that received a seven-day follow-up in 2013-14. In 2013-14 there were 85,572 eligible discharges. Of these 62,121 were followed up within seven days, this represents 75.2% of eligible discharges being followed up within seven days.   MyNHS includes an indicator, for seven-day follow-up, from mental health trusts. This is an important safety indicator, showing the continuity of care between in-patient and community teams providing mental health services.  These indicators have been chosen as they tell us something about how services are performing. Being open and transparent has real benefits when it comes to improving outcomes for patients, and MyNHS is part of the Government’s commitment to create the most open and transparent healthcare system in the world. It will give professionals and organisations the opportunity to compare themselves with their peers; learn from each other and improve their services. MyNHS, will feature a dedicated section for mental health information, aiming to improve outcomes for those using mental health services as part of our push for parity of esteem with physical health services. The mental health indicators cover a range of issues including patient experience, bed occupancy and follow up care.

Pregnancy: Mental Health Services

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when NHS England plans to introduce the new perinatal mental health pathway.

Dr Daniel Poulter: NHS England has committed in its business plan to develop and deliver by March 2015 a pathway to support women with perinatal mental health problems. NHS England is undertaking a detailed review of those services where a good maternal mental health pathway is in place and plan to share the learning from this review through guidance for commissioners and providers.

Pregnancy: Mental Health Services

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will direct the Chief Medical Officer to include a review of perinatal mental health in her forthcoming report on women's health.

Dr Daniel Poulter: The Chief Medical Officer's report is an independent report made to government. The Chief Medical Officer selects the topics to cover, guided by her duty to increase transparency about the state of the public's health and to advocate for change benefiting the public's health.   The current Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies, releases her annual report in two volumes. She expects to publish, in September 2015, a volume focussing on some of the issues directly related to women's health.   The Chief Medical Officer and her Editor in Chief, Dr Edward Mullins, are currently discussing proposed report content with healthcare professionals, academics, voluntary sector organisations, representatives of patient groups and policy officials in government organisations. These discussions inform the Chief Medical Officer's final decision on the detailed report content which she expects to make in December 2014. The Chief Medical Officer will then send invitations for written contributions to her report to selected individuals in December 2014 and January 2015.   We will relay the hon. Member’s interest in perinatal mental health to the Chief Medical Officer.

Health

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will commission research on the potential implications for his Department's policy and resources of the comparative effect on (a) mental and (b) physical health of (i) death of a close relative, (ii) divorce and (iii) moving out of a long-term family home.

George Freeman: Death of a close relative, divorce, and moving out of a long-term family home are all life events that can have significant impact on health and wellbeing. The Department has no plans to commission research specifically on the potential implications for the Department’s policies and resources of the comparative effect of these life events on mental and physical health.   The Department’s Policy Research Programme (PRP) commissions high quality, research-based evidence relevant to the full policy remit of the Department. Details of commissioned projects are available on the website of the PRP Central Commissioning Facility at:   http://www.prp-ccf.org.uk/

Patients: Safety

Paul Uppal: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent assessment he has made of the uptake of the Sign up to Safety campaign in each (a) region and (b) clinical commissioning group area.

Dr Daniel Poulter: As at the end of October 2014, a total number of 136 organisations have agreed to participate in the Sign up to Safety campaign. A breakdown by Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) is as follows:  By AHSN region Yorkshire and Humber9West of England7West Midlands8Wessex4London24South West Peninsula5Oxford4North West Coast15North East and North Cumbria8Kent, Surrey and Sussex13Greater Manchester9Eastern11East Midlands16Other3 136   The information has not been split by clinical commissioning group. However 16 clinical commissioning groups have signed up to the campaign to date.

Patients: Safety

Paul Uppal: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many patient safety incidents have occurred in England in each year since 2000.

Paul Uppal: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many patient safety incidents have been reported to the National Reporting and Learning System in each month since May 2010.

Dr Daniel Poulter: We do not hold information on the number of patient safety incidents that have occurred in England in each year since 2000. Patient Safety Incidents occurring in the National Health Service are reported to the National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS) whose primary purpose is to enable learning from patient safety incidents. The NRLS was established in late 2003 as a largely voluntary scheme for reporting patient safety incidents, and therefore it does not provide the definitive number of patient safety incidents occurring in the NHS. However, from 1 April 2010 it became mandatory for all providers registered with the Care Quality Commission (including all NHS trusts and foundation trusts) in England to report all serious patient safety incidents to the Care Quality Commission. To avoid duplication of reporting, providers of NHS services are encouraged to report all incidents resulting in death or severe harm to the NRLS which then reports them to the Care Quality Commission.   At present, more than 100,000 patient safety incidents (including those resulting in no harm) are reported to the NRLS each month. However, these data are collated on a quarterly, rather than monthly basis. Detailed breakdowns on incidents reported are published twice-yearly and can be accessed via the following link:   http://www.nrls.npsa.nhs.uk/resources/collections/quarterly-data-summaries/   The most recent spreadsheet providing quarterly data for the number of patient safety incidents reported to the NRLS from October 2003 to June 2014 is attached.   The NRLS is a dynamic reporting system, and the number of incidents recorded as occurring at any point in time may increase as a greater proportion of incidents are reported. Experience in other industries has shown that as an organisation’s reporting culture matures, staff become more likely to report incidents. 



Patient Safety Incidents- October 2003- June 2014
(Excel SpreadSheet, 377.5 KB)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to tackle late diagnosis for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Jane Ellison: Public Health England has developed a campaign to raise awareness of the symptom of breathlessness. The Breathlessness campaign aims to encourage those with inappropriate breathlessness (breathlessness that is disproportionate to the level of activity undertaken i.e. at rest or on minimal exertion) to go and see their general practitioner (GP). It is primarily aimed at earlier diagnosis of heart and lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with scope to reduce premature mortality and to improve the quality of life of those living with these conditions.   The campaign ran as a local pilot and will be run at a regional level in the East of England in February 2015. Evaluation of the local pilot is still underway, although early findings are positive from follow-up in-depth interviews with a sample of local GPs and pharmacists and pre and post awareness tracking research among the public.   The Department also published An Outcomes Strategy for People with COPD and Asthma in England in 2011, which sets out six high-level objectives to improve outcomes in these areas through high quality prevention, detection, treatment and care services, and the National Health Service Companion Document to the Outcomes Strategy, setting out how the NHS can implement changes at a local level in 2012.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were diagnosed in accident and emergency settings in each of the last five years.

Jane Ellison: Specific information on how many cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were diagnosed in accident and emergency settings in each of the last five years is not held centrally.

Health Services and Social Services

Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the recent report by Healthwatch England entitled, Suffering in Silence, published in October 2014; and if he will make a statement.

Norman Lamb: Healthwatch England, and the local Healthwatch network, have an important role in the health and care system. They ensure the patient voice is heard nationally and locally and this includes how it feels to make a complaint about your healthcare as set out in Suffering in Silence. Local Healthwatch also signpost people to advice and support in making a complaint.   There are legislative requirements in place which set out an overall framework on how complaints about health and care services should be handled. In response to Hard Truths, we initiated a wide-ranging programme of work dedicated to improving complaints handling involving stakeholders from across the health and care system. Healthwatch England is a key contributor to this work. Later this year we will set out what has been done to improve complaints handling in the context of our update on Hard Truths.

Hepatitis

Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the timetable is for completion and release of the hepatitis C improvement framework.

Jane Ellison: Public Health England, the Department of Health and NHS England are committed to reducing the burden of disease from hepatitis C through a suite of activities to improve awareness, prevention, testing and diagnosis, referral into care, and treatment outcomes.   A key element of this work is the development of an improvement framework for hepatitis C, which we hope to publish in early 2015.

Obesity: Children

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the level of childhood obesity is in (a) each constituency in London, (b) England, (c) Scotland, (d) Wales and (e) Northern Ireland.

Jane Ellison: Data on childhood obesity at a sub-national level for England are collected through the National Childhood Measurement Programme for two school year groups Reception (4-5 year olds) and Year 6 (10-11 years olds). The data in Table 1 below are presented by district/unitary authorities. Data are not available by parliamentary constituency.   Table 1: Number and proportion of children categorised as obese and overweight (2012-13).  Reception (4-5 years)Year 6 (10-11 years) Prevalence of obesityPrevalence of overweight (including obese)Prevalence of obesityPrevalence of overweight (including obese) Number of Children%Number of Children%Number of Children%Number of Children%Barking and Dagenham44913.486625.856824.492639.8Barnet37110.285823.655919.198633.6Bexley39412.385526.860424.398639.7Brent39811.180322.471623.71,20339.8Bromley2948.077921.150017.193732.0Camden1349.031320.928421.846135.5Croydon46110.21,06923.878822.31,34938.2Ealing46110.499022.475422.71,25837.9Enfield53612.61,11526.283824.11,36139.1Greenwich48014.190926.760524.796139.2Hackney34013.267826.349125.280341.3Hammersmith and Fulham14711.233125.222220.140036.3Haringey32511.166322.756923.495739.4Harrow24610.250821.243220.472334.2Havering2729.659220.946319.981435.1Hillingdon3669.483321.457819.81,00934.6Hounslow39011.577923.157824.692539.4Islington19510.642623.133321.855836.4Kensington and Chelsea838.918920.217220.128433.2Kingston upon Thames1176.130916.123317.041630.3Lambeth32211.366823.551323.486239.3Lewisham38110.789125.056823.393638.3Merton2139.050221.137121.361035.0Newham56512.31,13724.81,01427.31,55942.0Redbridge40410.281720.771321.3121536.3Richmond upon Thames1325.936316.321413.840426.1Southwark36514.069326.762626.71,03744.2Sutton1778.044420.034719.658333.0Tower Hamlets39612.773823.669026.51,07941.4Waltham Forest35510.471821.060322.91,00138.0Wandsworth2499.855822.039320.268435.2Westminster14811.630223.633425.352039.4London21,69610.810,16623.027,80722.416,67337.4England130,6489.354,45722.2162,98718.992,53833.3   National Health Surveys measure the height and weight of children aged 2-15 years. Table 2 shows the proportion of children classified as overweight or obese for 2012.   Table 2: Proportion of children classified as overweight or obese aged 2-15 years (2012).  England (%)Scotland (%)Wales (%)Obese13.713.815.0Overweight (including obese)27.930.634.0   The Health Survey for Northern Ireland, for children aged 2-10 (2012-13) states 6% of children were classed as obese, and 19% were overweight (including obese).

Self-harm: Children

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many children and adolescents were admitted to hospital as a result of intentional self-harm in the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Norman Lamb: Data on the number of finished admission episodes for self harm for 0 to 17 year olds for the years 2003-04 to 2012-13 is in the following table.   Count of finished admission episodes (FAEs)1 with a cause code of self harm2 for patients aged 0-17 for the years 2003-04 to 2012-133   Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector YearFAEs 2003-0411,404 2004-0511,402 2005-0613,054 2006-0712,980 2007-0813,785 2008-0912,934 2009-1012,944 2010-1113,995 2011-1213,231 2012-1314,780 Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre  This data should not be interpreted as a count of people as the same person may have been admitted on more than one occasion. Reference should be made to the notes when interpreting the data.   The Government is committed to reducing self-harm.   The Mental Health Action Plan, Closing the Gap: Priorities for Essential Change in Mental Health (January 2014), sets out 25 of the most important changes that we want the National Health Service and social care to make in the next few years to improve the lives of people with mental health problems and help reduce health inequalities. It highlights how we will change the way frontline health services respond to self-harm.   In the revised Public Health Outcomes Framework, we have introduced a new indicator that is specifically about self-harm. Under this indicator, we will measure: - attendances at emergency departments for self-harm per 100,000 population; - percentage of attendances at emergency departments for self-harm that received a psychosocial assessment.   This two-part indicator helps us not only understand the prevalence of self-harm but also how emergency departments are responding. This information can then inform future commissioning.   The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines make it clear that anyone who attends an emergency department for self-harm should be offered a comprehensive assessment of their physical, psychological and social needs. In 2004, NICE published a clinical guideline on self-harm. This covered the short-term physical and psychological management and secondary prevention of self-harm in primary and secondary care. It sets out the care people who harm themselves can expect to receive from healthcare professionals in hospital and out of hospital; the information they can expect to receive; what they can expect from treatment and what kinds of services best help people who harm themselves. Following on from this guideline, in November 2011, NICE issued a clinical practice guideline on the longer-term management of self-harm.   We expect general practitioners to refer people who disclose self-harm for psychological support as appropriate. We are investing £54 million over the period 2011 – 2015-16 in the Children and Young People’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (CYP IAPT) programme which is giving children and young people improved access to the best evidenced mental health care. This includes Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for emotional disorders such as anxiety and depressive disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.   Achieving Better Access to Mental Health Services by 2020 contains the first waiting time standards for mental health.   It announces the introduction of improved investment in specialist intensive psychiatric mental health facilities for children and young people to reduce waiting times for intensive psychiatric care and to end the practice of young people being admitted to mental health beds far away from where they live or from being inappropriately admitted to adult wards. It announces the introduction of standard waiting times for Early Intervention in Psychosis services which will be of benefit to young people, and for the adult Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. It makes it clear that the waiting time standards announced are a first step. There will also be £30 million increased investment in liaison psychiatry to help people including young people presenting in accident and emergency departments with mental health problems. The vision is for comprehensive standards to be developed over the coming years for all ages, including for children and young people. However, where adult IAPT services are commissioned to provide a service to 16 and 17 year olds, the waiting time standard will apply to all those attending the service, regardless of their age.   Preventing suicide in England: A cross-government outcomes strategy to save lives was published on 10 September 2012 to coincide with the International Association for Suicide Prevention’s World Suicide Prevention Day.   The Department, through the National Institute for Health Research and the Policy Research Programme has invested significantly in mental health research and will continue to support high-quality research on suicide, suicide prevention and self-harm.   The Suicide Prevention Strategy, Preventing suicide in England: A cross-government outcomes strategy to save lives is backed by £1.5 million funding, through the Policy Research Programme, which is supporting six projects to help us better understand key aspects of suicide and self-harm, including looking at self-harm in young people and the role of the internet and social media.   The new e-portal – MindEd – launched in March 2014 includes content on self-harm, suicide and risk in children and young people.   Notes 1Finished admission episodes. A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of inpatient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. FAEs are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of inpatients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year.   2Cause Code. A supplementary code that indicates the nature of any external cause of injury, poisoning or other adverse effects. Only the first external cause code which is coded within the episode is counted in HES. The cause codes used to identify episodes of self harm were:   A supplementary code that indicates the nature of any external cause of injury, poisoning or other adverse effects. Only the first external cause code which is coded within the episode is counted in HES.   The cause codes used to identify episodes of self harm were:   X60 – Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to nonopioid analgesics, antipryretics and antirheumatics X61 – Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic, antiparkinsom and psychotropic drugs, note elsewhere classified X62 – Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to narcotics and psychodysleptics [hallucinogens], not elsewhere classified X63 – Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to other drugs acting on the automatic nervous system X64 – Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to other and unspecified drugs, medicaments and biological substances X65 - Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to alcohol X66 - Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to organic solvents and halogenated hydrocarbons and their vapours X67 - Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to other gases and vapours X68 - Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to pesticides X69 - Intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to other and unspecified chemicals and noxious substances X70 – Intentional self-harm by hanging, strangulation and suffocation X71 - Intentional self-harm by drowning and submersion X72 - Intentional self-harm by handgun discharge X73 - Intentional self-harm by rifle, shotgun and larger firearm discharge X74 - Intentional self-harm by other and unspecified firearm discharge X75 - Intentional self-harm by explosive material X76 - Intentional self-harm by smoke, fire and flames X77 - Intentional self-harm by steam, hot vapours and hot objects X78 - Intentional self-harm by sharp object X79 - Intentional self-harm by blunt object X80 - Intentional self-harm by jumping from a high place X81 - Intentional self-harm by jumping or lying before moving object X82 - Intentional self-harm by crashing of motor vehicle X83 - Intentional self-harm by other specified means X84 - Intentional self-harm by unspecified means   3Assessing growth through time (Admitted patient care). HES figures are available from 1989-1990 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes to NHS practice). For example, apparent reductions in activity may be due to a number of procedures which may now be undertaken in out-patient settings and so no longer include in admitted HES patient data. Conversely, apparent increases in activity may be due to improved recording of diagnosis or procedure information. Note that Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) include activity ending in the year in question and run from April to March, eg 2012-13 includes activity between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2013.

Alcoholic Drinks: Children

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many children and adolescents were admitted to hospital for injuries or illnesses caused by drinking alcohol in the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Ellison: The following table contains the sum of the estimated alcohol attributable fractions for admissions for patients aged between 0 – 17 years between 2003 - 2013.   The number of alcohol-related admissions is based on the methodology developed by the North West Public Health Observatory (NWPHO), which uses 48 indicators for alcohol-related illnesses, determining the proportion of a wide range of diseases and injuries that can be partly attributed to alcohol as well as those that are, by definition, wholly attributable to alcohol. Further information on these proportions can be found at   http://www.nwph.net/nwpho/publications/AlcoholAttributableFractions.pdf   Alcohol attributable fractions do not provide a count of episodes with an alcohol related diagnosis or cause code but rather an estimate of the numbers. In addition, partial alcohol attributable fractions are not applicable to children aged under 16 years therefore figures for this age group relate only to wholly-attributable admissions.   The application of the NWPHO methodology has recently been updated but is not currently available from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES).   Sum of wholly attributable alcohol fractions1 for patients aged 0 to 15, and wholly and partially attributable alcohol fractions1 for patients aged 16 or 17 for admissions in each of the last 10 years.   YearAge Groups 0-1516-170-172003-044,9777,08212,0592004-054,9678,02912,9962005-065,2469,18414,4302006-075,0869,40014,4862007-084,7409,77414,5142008-093,6819,16512,8462009-103,6779,15312,8302010-113,1039,22812,3312011-122,5788,72811,3062012-132,1607,91310,073 Activity in English NHS Hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector Source: HES, Health and Social Care Information Centre   Notes:1. Alcohol–related admissions The alcohol attributable fraction is set to 1 (100%) where the admission is considered to be entirely due to alcohol, e.g. in the case of alcoholic liver disease - these records are described as wholly alcohol attributable. The alcohol attributable fraction is set to a value greater than 0 but less than 1 according to the NWPHO definition, e.g. the alcohol fraction of an admission with a primary diagnosis of C00 - malignant neoplasm of lip, where the patient is male and between 65 and 74 is 0.44 - these records are described as partly alcohol attributable.   These wholly and partly attributable fractions can be aggregated to supply an estimate of activity which can be considered wholly or partly attributable to alcohol.   Partly alcohol attributable fractions are not applicable to children under 16. Therefore figures for this age group relate only to wholly-attributable admissions, where the attributable fraction is one.   2. Assessing growth through time (admitted patient care) HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For example, changes in activity may be due to changes in the provision of care. Note that in all cases the reporting year is from April to March (i.e. 2006-07 is April 2006 to March 2007 inclusive).

Care Homes: Fees and Charges

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the effect of his Department’s guidance on charging for residential accommodation on the financial independence of adults in residential care.

Norman Lamb: Charging for Residential Accommodation Guidelines (CRAG) supports local authorities to interpret the National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992. This guidance and the regulations will be repealed from April 2015 when new provisions under the Care Act 2014 come into force.   The new charging framework introduces minimal changes in order to respond to the call for continuity and to enable local authorities to focus on preparing for implementation of the reforms recommended by the independent Commission on Funding Reform that the Care Act will also introduce. From April 2016 this will see the introduction of a cap on care costs that will protect people from the risk of catastrophic costs and an extension to the point at which means tested support becomes available. As the published impact assessment shows, this means that up to 100,000 more people will be better off by 2024-25. We are in the process of updating the modelling and will publish a revised impact assessment shortly. In addition, from April 2015 we are introducing a universal deferred payment agreement scheme that means people should not be forced to sell their home in their lifetime to pay for care.

Tumours

Mr Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what progress is being made on the development and publication of a service specification for patients suffering from neuroendocrine tumours.

Jane Ellison: The service specification is part of the Internal Medicine work programme for implementation within 2016-17. It is in final draft and the next stage will be for it to be considered by the Clinical Prioritisation Advisory Group and then for wider consultation.

Cancer

Mr Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions he has had with (a) NHS England and (b) clinical commissioning groups on hospital trusts using action plans to improve their National Cancer Patient Experience Survey results; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if his Department will publish a comparison of cancer patient experience between hospital trusts; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps (a) his Department and (b) NHS England is taking to ensure the families of cancer patients are given the information needed to help care for them at home.

Jane Ellison: The 2014 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES), which is managed by NHS England, asked over 110,000 cancer patients across the country for their views on their care with 64% responding. Macmillan Cancer Support has published league tables constructed from the data. The tables can be found at:   http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Aboutus/News/Latest_News/Londontrustsremainatbottomofcancerpatientexperienceleaguetable.aspx   My Rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State meets with NHS England regularly and discusses a wide range of issues.   NHS England is working with NHS Improving Quality, Macmillan Cancer Support and Strategic Clinical Networks to spread good practice across hospitals providing cancer care, including how best to utilise CPES findings. Action includes:   - the launch of an NHS Improving Quality project that pairs highly-rated cancer trusts with trusts that have potential to improve;   - regional events for commissioners looking at how CPES results inform commissioning decisions around cancer patient experience;   - publication of guidance on using CPES data to drive improvement which will be sent to all Trusts who participate in the CPES.   NHS England committed in their Five Year Forward View to improving the information given to people who use services, their families and carers. This builds on NHS England’s Commitments to Carers, published in May 2014, with 37 commitments including NHS England supporting the relevant bodies in signposting carers to information and advice about available support.   NHS England also has a strand of work focusing on improving the quality, integrity and accessibility of health related information, including information targeting carers. In addition, NHS Choices holds a wide range of information relating to the support available for carers.

Cancer

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to develop and support the cancer screening programme.

Jane Ellison: The NHS Cancer Screening Programmes screen millions of people each year in order to detect cancer or abnormalities which could develop into cancer if left undetected and untreated. They are supported by a national co-ordinating team and regional quality assurance teams in Public Health England (PHE).   On the specific programmes, NHS England and PHE are working together to set up screening centres for Bowel Scope Screening (BSS) for 55 year-olds as an addition to the current NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. Our commitment is to have BSS rolled out to 60% of screening centres in England by the end of March 2015, and to all screening centres in England by the end of 2016. In addition, as part of the original programme, PHE are piloting a new form of home testing kit (faecal immunochemical testing - FIT) which is easier to use and potentially more accurate than the current faecal occult blood (FOB) test used in the programme.   The NHS Breast Cancer Screening Programme has developed considerably with the use of digital mammography in screening clinics and the extensions to the age range for screening women, including the current randomised controlled trial screening 47-49 and 71-73 year-old women. Around 97.1% of women who have had invasive breast cancer detected by screening are alive five years later and over three quarters of the women whose cancer is detected by the programme do not need chemotherapy.   The NHS Cervical Screening Programme is currently piloting the use of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as the primary screen for cervical disease in order to achieve better, more personalised outcomes for women. Through early detection and treatment the NHS Cervical Screening Programme can prevent around 75% of cervical cancers developing; where an early cancer is found, women with cervical cancer diagnosed by screening have a better chance of being cured than those who present with symptoms.   All NHS screening programmes are based on National Screening Committee recommendations using the best evidence available.

Cancer

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to support the National Awareness and Early Diagnosis Initiative.

Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make it an objective of his Department to reduce late stage (3 and 4) cancer diagnosis and increase the proportion of cancers diagnosed at early stage (1 and 2).

Jane Ellison: Through Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer (2011), the Government has invested an additional £750 million in improving cancer services, including over £450 million supporting earlier diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis is an essential element in delivering against the Government’s ambition to save an additional 5,000 lives from cancer per year by 2014-15.   Through the National Awareness and Early Diagnosis Initiative, the Department continues to work in partnership with Public Health England (PHE), NHS England, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and other public and voluntary sector organisations to support centrally led Be Clear on Cancer symptom awareness campaigns and work to support general practitioners and primary care.   We know that diagnosis at an early stage of a cancer’s development leads to improved survival chances. An indicator on the proportion of cancers diagnosed at an early stage is therefore a useful proxy for assessing improvements in cancer survival rates. This is why the Public Health Outcomes Framework (PHOF) includes an indicator on the proportion of cancers diagnosed at stages 1 and 2.   PHE has published the proportion of cancers diagnosed at stages 1 or 2 as part of PHOF. This has also been published as part of the Clinical Commissioning Group Outcome Indicator Set. PHE’s National Cancer Intelligence Network is using these staging data to examine the impact of the Be Clear on Cancer campaigns on any shift in the stage at diagnosis.